Obituary of Pasquale Joseph Nicolella, Jr.
SCHENECTADY –
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pasquale “Posh” J. Nicolella Jr., who left this world on April 13, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on June 12, 1959, in Schenectady, NY. Pasquale was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of many through his talent as a hairstylist, wonderful laugh, and vibrant spirit.
Pasquale was the cherished son of Pasquale and Betty Nicolella, who preceded him in death in 1994 and 2018. He is survived by his brother, Gabe Nicolella (Jean Loar); sister, Suzanne (Walt) Steiner; nephews Eddie Arthur of Colorado and Adam (Angela) Griffin of Louisiana; nieces Tess and Gabrielle Nicolella of the Dallas area; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Pasquale’s family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took immense joy in sharing holidays and vacations together.
After his graduation from Linton High School, Pasquale pursued his passion for hairstyling by graduating from the Royal Barber and Beauty School in 1977. He opened L'Etoile Hair Design on Jay Street in March 1977, quickly establishing himself as a talented and dedicated hairstylist. By October 1981, he had expanded his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Magique on Union Street in Schenectady and L'Etoile in Saratoga. Over the years, Pasquale continued to own and work at salons throughout the Capital Region, forming lasting relationships with his clients and becoming a beloved stylist and personality in the local community. While Pasquale’s working hours could, in his periods of struggle, be notoriously unpredictable to his clients, his ability to connect with his customers and make them look and feel fabulous was a testament to his talent and heart. Many clients remained loyal to him from the very beginning, refusing to let anyone else touch their hair.
Pasquale always loved a party, whether it was with family, friends, or customers at the salon. He had a special flair for dressing up for events and parties, and he always brought joy and laughter to those around him. He had a passion for cooking and eating great Italian food, dancing, enjoyed beach vacations—particularly in Cape Cod and Florida—and loved sunbathing to excess at Victoria Pool. As a teenager he took an adventure, traveling the great national parks in a van with his sister Suzanne and his nephew Eddie, creating cherished memories of being too cold and thinking he heard bears at night, that he would remind you, kept him from ever camping again! Another adventure with Betty, Eddie and Suzanne in the south of Spain was a favorite for the warm Mediterranean beaches and great food.
Pasquale loved to hold babies and enjoyed visiting with his nieces and nephews, trying to stay connected with those he loved. Despite facing struggles with substance abuse, and recently experiencing health issues, including chronic back pain and surgeries due to his 48-year career as a hairstylist, he maintained a resilient spirit.
Funeral services will be held on May 16, 2025, at 9am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY 12309, where friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate his life. Following the service, everyone is warmly invited to gather next door at the parish center at 10 AM for a reception. This will be a time to share stories and memories as we bid farewell to Pasquale Nicolella. The burial will be private. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of Pasquale's friends and long-time customers who showed him love, patience, and support throughout his successes, struggles, and comebacks. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations in Pasquale's honor to the Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, 12305 (518-346-2275).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Nicolella Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
