Gabriel Nicolau

Gabriel was born on September 13, 1934 in Turnu Severin, Romania. He is one of four boys to Marin and Maria Nicolau. He is the last surviving of his brothers, Mihea, Ion (“Nelu”), and Aurel.

After the Soviet Revolution, he fled Romania at 14 years of age and crossed the Danube River to enter into the former Yugoslavia. He followed his big brother Nelu who left around the same time and eventually immigrated to Australia. In Yugoslavia he spoke little of his time but learned the language and adopted the culture as a young man. 

Thereafter, he immigrated to several countries in Europe and after the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 left by boat to Canada. He lived there for close to a decade before looking for work and coming to the United States, particularly Chicago. 

Once settled in Chicago, Gabriel worked as a manager at a warehouse when he met his wife, Lidia, at a bar. She had just immigrated to Chicago under political asylum in 1975 and came to visit a friend. She says the only seat available at the bar was next to him, and that is where she sits today. 

In 1978, his daughter, Gabriela Nicolau (“Jr.”) was born and their life continued in the suburbs of Chicago. He was a dedicated Father, Husband, and friend. He worked nights to raise his daughter and support his family. 

Anyone that knows Gabriel knows this: he is kind, honest, funny, always willing to help others, and will tell you like he sees it. He is a good soul who never lied and took no prisoners. His wife and daughter will miss him dearly. 

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