Obituary of Nicholas Meola

Nicholas “Nick” Meola, 71, of New Jersey, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity that will forever live in the hearts of his family. Born on April 28, 1954, in Newark, NJ, Nicholas was the cherished son of the late Anthony “Tony” Meola and Mary Meola. From a young age, he worked alongside his father at their seafood market called Crab Kings in Newark. It was there that he was taught the pillars of hard work and dedication. Those values carried throughout his life and became the foundation of the man he was. Whether it was supporting a loved one or bringing humor to the hardest of times, Nick always showed up for the people around him.
Nick was a beloved brother to his surviving sister, Marie Baranello. In recent years, they lived together and shared an unbreakable bond built on love and loyalty. They cared for one another daily—helping around the house, sharing meals, and finding comfort in each other’s presence. Their days were filled with laughter, conversation, and the quiet joy of simply being together, a true reflection of the devotion and family values that defined them both.
He is also survived by his nieces Phyllis Francis and Gina Ciaccio, his nephew Joseph Baranello and his husband Aleks Milovanovic, and his brother-in-law Thomas Gamatko. Although Nicholas never had children of his own, his nieces and nephews became like his sons and daughters, and his love for them was boundless. If any of them were in need, Uncle Nicky would undoubtedly come to their rescue. To his great-nieces and great-nephews—Carissa Aricola and her husband Peter, Thomas Francis, Elaina Francis, Adrianna Francis and her future fiance Michael Maksimik, Kayla Ciaccio, and Lea Ciaccio—Uncle Nicky was a grandfather figure and a source of endless laughter. He also had the great blessing of watching the next generation grow, as a great-great uncle to Giavanna Aricola.
Known for his giving nature and larger-than-life humor, Nicholas had the rare gift of making everyone feel loved and welcomed. His quick wit and one-of-a-kind humor could light up any room, while his kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He embodied the heart of a true uncle and brother—steadfast, supportive, and always putting family first.
Though he is no longer here, his spirit will continue to live on in the countless memories he created, the laughter he sparked, and the love he poured into his family. Nicholas Meola will be remembered as a man who gave endlessly of himself and filled every gathering with joy.
His family takes comfort in knowing that Uncle Nick’s humor, love, and devotion will continue to echo through generations.
Nick is now reunited in eternal peace with his father Anthony Meola, mother Mary Meola, sister Phyllis Gamatko, brother-in-law Joseph “Papa Joe” Baranello, and nephew Thomas “Big T” Francis. His surviving family members hope he is reunited in heaven with his father, Papa Joe and Big T, betting on all their favorite horses and rolling the bones together.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM with his funeral service to follow at 8:30 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 1:30 PM graveside service on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Marlboro Memorial Cemetery, 361 Highway 79, Morganville. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com