Karl Matthew Nicolai

Karl Matthew Nicolai, Chief Estimator and small business owner, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on August 5, 2024 at the age of 54. Karl was the beloved son of Rev. Lillian Russell-Nicolai and Victor Nicolai, born in Concord MA. As a child of a military family, Karl lived in many places including Upstate New York where he began to snow ski at 18 months, the Philippines where he was introduced to a new culture, Texas where he first learned to swim and started school, Colorado where he started music lessons, and finally Virginia where he graduated from Osbourn Park High School in 1988 and attended Longwood College. Growing up he will be remembered for his outgoing and positive personality. He enjoyed playing sports with his friends and coaching his brother’s soccer team. He listened to a variety of music from classical to heavy rock and used it as a means to connect and show his love. Karl was a man of faith and prayer. He was an encourager, a protector, and a friend to many. Karl’s legacy is one of deep appreciation for God’s creation and kindness towards friends and strangers alike. He found enjoyment on the mats at Yamasaki Academy and in sharing his love of the sport with the local community. His favorite memories were spent in the healing waters of Cocoa Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed body surfing on the waves. He also enjoyed skiing with his Dad and family members at Massanutten. Karl’s pride and joy, however, were his five children—Anna Sophia, Lydia, Ivan, and eldest daughters. He reveled in their accomplishments, celebrating their milestones with the same enthusiasm he had for his own pursuits. They will remember him as a dreamer, the best sharer, and a teller of stories. Karl and the mother of his children shared 31 years of marriage together. Karl cherished his parents, Rev. Lillian Russell-Nicolai and Victor Nicolai, and lived his life with a deep sense of gratitude and joy for the time spent with them, his sister, Suzanne Cervarich and brother, Erik Nicolai, and his many nieces and nephews. His family asks that you help keep his spirit alive through stories told and music shared. To honour his memory, a viewing is scheduled on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 9:00 am- 1:00 pm, at Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, 3200 Golansky Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22192. The funeral will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at St Matthew's Lutheran Church, 12351 All Saints Pl, Woodbridge, VA 22192, with a light reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes charitable donations in memory of Karl Matthew Nicolai to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or any charity of your choosing.

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Karl Matthew Nicolai

August 5, 2024