Richard Albert Nicinski, 83, of New Bern died suddenly Thursday August 6, 2026, at Carolina East Medical Center with his brothers, daughter, granddaughter and son in law by his side listening to his favorite opera music and singing along to his favorite musical. Richard's daughter Laura said, "Daddy kept his wonderful joy and great sense of humor throughout his final days including charming the entire staff at Carolina East's ICU." This family laughs a lot.

There is no viewing at Richard's request, however a mass will be planned at Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 3005 Country Club Road, New Bern, North Carolina for Richard and the love of his life Diana Mary Gorman. Richard will be buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Hawthorne, New York next to his beloved wife, Diana. In lieu of any flowers and in memory of Richard, any donations should go to Blood Cancer and Alzheimer's research.

Richard was born in Summit, New Jersey to Theodore and Mary Nicinski. He grew up and attended public school in Union, New Jersey. Per his mom, he was the helping son especially with his baby twin brothers. His high school aspiration was to be involved with the New York Stock Exchange, but by being a New York CPA this was close enough. As a teenager he was also interested in stamp collecting and U.S. coin collecting. He pursued both in a limited manner over the years.

Richard attended Rutgers University, at the Newark Campus and graduated with a B.A. in Economics. Richard enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1965, served as a Port Security man, and was Honorably Discharged as a Second-Class Port Security man in 1970. After USCG duty, he continued his studies in accounting and eventually became a Certified Public Accountant. He became a traveling accountant for both Phelps Dodge Corporation and The New York Times Corporation visiting and auditing their various facilities.

In retirement Richard taught at the Craven County Community College as well as teaching Economics at the local high school.

In the early years with his wife Diana, Richard did some amateur photography, and they both really enjoyed visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, The Brooklyn Art museum, attending the opera and Broadway shows in New York City when they lived in Brooklyn, New York. They discovered New Bern while touring the South and just adored this sweet town so much that they purchased a home and later retired to New Bern.

Richard was always making friends and bringing joy wherever he went during his life.

Music was very important to him. He learned to play the piano so he could play for his late wife while she was in memory care. He was quite good.

After being married for 42 years and caring for Diana for her last 5 years at Home Place; Richard continued to volunteer and visit after her passing in 2025. His heart was broken.

Richard is survived by his two brothers Charles Nicinski of Ocala, Florida, Steven Nicinski of Yorba Linda, California, his daughter Laura Nicinski Cotten of Jacksonville, Florida, and his two grandchildren Trinity Cotten and Alexandra Cotten.

To share memories or offer condolences please leave a comment in the online guestbook below or reach out to the family.