Obituary of Thomas A. Nicosia, MD

Dr. Thomas A. Nicosia, fondly known as “Doc” or “Dr. Tom”, passed away peacefully at home on February 16th, at the age of 76, after a long illness with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Dr. Tom was a true renaissance man – a brilliant cardiologist, passionate woodworker, meticulous chef, devoted lacrosse coach, and an adoring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was effortlessly funny, known for a quick-witted comment followed by a subtle smile. His intelligence was striking. His family often joked that his mind was an encyclopedia - “Ask Dad he’ll know the answer” - and he always did. Dr. Tom was unapologetically generous and incredibly caring, treating his patients like family throughout his nearly 50-year medical career.

Dr. Tom grew up on Park Avenue in Manhasset, NY, where he was the eldest of five children. His father, Dr. Arnold Nicosia, was a renowned pediatrician in Manhasset, and his mother, Jane, was a nurse. He is survived by his brothers Robert (Irene) and John (Chris) and his sisters Nancy and Susan (Mark).

He graduated from Manhasset High School in 1965 and from Harvard University in 1969, where he played both football and lacrosse for the Crimson. He was captain of the Harvard Men’s Lacrosse team his junior and senior years and remained a proud Harvard fan his entire life. He completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati in 1974, then went on to complete his residency at North Shore University Hospital and his cardiology fellowship at NYU. 

He practiced cardiology in Manhasset for nearly 50 years. From 2000 to 2007, he served as Director of Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital - his second home. Later in his career he practiced at Mount Sinai Doctors Manhasset, where he received the Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician Communication, awarded annually to less than 1% of physicians. Dr. Tom was an exceptional clinician, respected by his colleagues and beloved by his patients. As one patient wrote: “Dr. Nicosia is a man of genuine excellence in every facet of his life. He is a brilliant and dedicated physician, who places his patients’ welfare above all else, as he sets the highest standards for himself and everyone associated with him, in his commitment to provide the most progressive and insightful cardiac medical care possible.”

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Florence Barricelli, and their four children, James, Paul (Michele), Katharine and Danielle, and his two grandchildren, Ellie and Dominick.

Dr. Tom leaves behind a legacy that could never be adequately described. His life revolved around his wife, his children, his patients and his community.

Friends and family may pay their respects at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home at 1570 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset on Saturday, February 24th, from 4 pm to 8 pm and on Sunday, February 25th, from 4 pm to 8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:15 am on Monday, February 26th, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1300 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, New York 11030.

Gifts in Dr. Tom’s memory can be made payable to the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, c/o Office of Development, 100 Port Washington Blvd. Roslyn, NY 11576. Please earmark your gift "In memory of Dr. Thomas Nicosia" in the memo line.