Famed pianist Alfred A. Nicolace passed away on February 20, 2016. He was son to the late Carlo and Rose (Navarro) Nicolace. He was the father of Alfred Nicolace, Diane D’Amico, Marjorie Poulin, Carolann Nicolace Silva, Michael Nicolace and Kerri-Ann Nicolace. He was the grandfather of 11 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 13 great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late John, Ernest, Edward, Orazio and Alphonse; and former husband of the late Lucille (Parrillo) Nicolace.
Alfred A. Nicolace was born in Providence to a large family, and started playing the piano at an early age. By 6 he was playing jazz and learning tricks from his older brother Alphonse. After graduating from Classical High School, he went on to pursue his dream and build a career.
Alfred went to Vegas with his son in an attempt to get an audition, taking a chance that may or may not pay off. Alfred said in an interview he gave to the Providence Journal in August 1981:
“I went to Vegas and walked into the Dunes Hotel and said, ‘I’m a terrific piano player from RI,’ and the guy said, ‘So what?’ I kept at them for an audition and I was on my way back to RI with my son when I received the call to come and audition. I was offered a 4-week stint at the Dunes and I was so confident that it was going to be permanent that I called my wife Lucille and sent for her and the kids to pick up and move to Vegas. I took a chance and it paid off because that 4 weeks turned into 2 1/2 years.”
It was in Vegas where Charlie Spivak would come in one night and offer Alfred a job with his band. Alfred joined the USO where he, with the Charlie Spivak Band, would entertain troops all around the world during WWII. As a young and talented musician, he performed with the likes of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, and played at the wedding of John and Jacqueline Kennedy while he was with the Duke Belaire Band. Though his moment in the spotlight was not everlasting, his love and respect for playing was. After fame, Alfred returned to Rhode Island where he taught thousands of Rhode Island students to play the piano. He taught his last lesson only four days before his passing. Father, grandfather and mentor, Alfred will forever be missed.
