Mr. Joseph R. Nicolette Tempe, AZ (formerly of Frankfort and Oneonta, NY) - Joseph R. Nicolette, 66, formerly of Frankfort, and Oneonta, passed away on March 11, 2005 at Scottsdale Health Center, Scottsdale, AZ after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Those he loved were by his side. He and his wife, Sandra resided at 1226 E. Harbor View Drive, Tempe AZ. Joseph was born on April 26, 1938, in Frankfort, the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Fragale) Nicolette. He was a graduate of Frankfort High School, the class of 1955, where he was senior class president and salutatorian of the class. While in high school, he excelled in football, basketball and baseball and will always be remembered for his leadership qualities. He attended Hamilton College, graduating with the class of 1959. While in attendance he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. Joseph was also a starting member of the Hamilton College football and baseball team. He then earned a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from Colgate University, and his Doctorate of Higher Education Administration from the State University in Albany. Mr. Nicolette taught mathematics at Ilion High School, along with serving as Head Coach for the baseball team, and as Assistant Coach for the football team. He is fondly remembered as not only a teacher and a coach, but as a special friend and advisor. Joseph married Sandra J. Card, on June 27, 1964. A blessed union they held, until his death, over 40 years later. Sandra was her husband's constant support during his battle over cancer. In 1966, Mr. Nicolette began his career at the State University of Oneonta, where he held several administrative positions, including Vice President of Academic Affairs. He retired in 1994 as Acting Provost of the college. In Oneonta, he advised, mentored, and befriended many, many students. Following his retirement, Joe and Sandra relocated to Arizona, where he kept up with his passion for golfing, and working out. Joseph came to make many new friends, who came to admire and respect him for his courage and strength. The measure of a man is not by the years he lives, but by the legacy he leaves behind. He lived life to the fullest and savored every day. He always showed courage and determination. He had an indomitable spirit and strength, which never waivered, even when illness took its toll on his body. Joe was a shining example for all those who crossed his path. He had a great devotion to his faith, even in his darkest hours. He had deep-rooted family values. He was the strength for his family. Even in the face of his illness, he never let his family down. He was always proud of his children's accomplishments, and also instilled in them love, devotion to family, good values and dedication to the well-being and happiness of others. He shared a loving and protective relationship with his sisters, Doris and Joanne. He was always ready and willing to help or advise anyone, especially family, friends or students. He was a confidant, friend and mentor to his nieces and nephews, who loved and respected their "Uncle Joe". All of those who knew and loved him recognized that he was special and their lives were more full and better for having had him in it. He was deeply admired for his courage and strength during his illness. He continued to encourage all those around him to be strong even as his life was coming to a close. He was a truly loved man. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, a daughter and son-in-law, Dr. JoDean Nicolette and Dr. Ben Fritz of San Rosa CA, a son and daughter-in-law, John and Diane (Ritola) Nicolette of Fort Myers, FL. He is also survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris and Charlie Amento and Joanne and Don Oyer, both of Frankfort, who will love him, and miss him forever; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bonnie (Card) and Don Polsin of Syracuse; a brother-in-law, Joseph Tamburro of Frankfort; an aunt and godmother, Fanny Nicolette of Frankfort, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whose lives were enriched by him. He was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law, Jean Card, and a sister-in-law Donna Tamburro. There will be no public calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 7, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, on Frankfort St. in Frankfort, with Father Anthony Chiramonte, friend of the family, officiating. No matter where life's path took him, Joe's roots were always in Frankfort. He will be brought home to be buried with his parents in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Following the interment respects may be paid to the family, at the American Legion Post #845 on Litchfield St. in Frankfort from 2-5. A memorial gathering will be held at that time to celebrate Joe's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations for sarcoma research in Joe's memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486 Houston, TX 77210-4486. Please make your check payable to "MD Anderson" and write Joseph Nicollette's name on your check. Donations may also be made in Joe's memory to Wine Country Greyhound Adoption Fund, P.O. Box 6266, Santa Rosa, CA 95406. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Joe's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com