David Thomas Nicometo

David Thomas Nicometo born on October 7, 1956 in Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 30, 2024. He was the son of Dominic and Mary Nicometo, and brother of Judy Thompson who preceded him in death.

David was a devoted husband of 44 years to wife Diane. He was the proud father of David C. Nicometo, and Samuel A. Nicometo, and wife Mandy. David was the amazing Papa to his Grandchildren Ella, Chloe, Levi and Kameron who brought immense joy to his life every day. David was the most loving brother and is survived by his siblings, Butch Nicometo and wife Linda, and Lisa Frederic and husband Shane. He was the proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. All of his family will forever hold his memory close.

David lived a life of service, but not in the traditional sense. His path was one he learned from his father, Doc, and his mother, Mary. From the time the family moved from Batavia, New York, to Freeport, his parents embarked on a journey that would shape David’s own life of service to the community through food, drink, and fellowship. His father taught him the importance of integrity in business, while his mother instilled the value of putting the heart of the community and its customers first. Our motto was, "Where Families Meet to Eat Together."

Over the years, we employed many people—some just starting out in life, balancing school and work. David always encouraged them to follow their dreams. Some stayed with us for years and became like family. The guys in the kitchen, the girl out front, and the group in the lounge—each one of them held a special place in David’s heart. The friendships formed through these years filled his life. While we may have served the town with food and drink, it was the people of Freeport and Niceville who gave David a life beyond his wildest dreams.

David didn’t make this journey alone. His brother Butch and wife Linda, his sister Judy and daughters Ashlee and Alyssa, his sister Lisa and husband Shane, his brother-in-law Frankie and wife Jody, along with his sons David (Davy) and Samuel (Sam), all worked together to make Nicometo’s Restaurant a success. And, of course, there was me, his wife Diane. We worked together as a close-knit family, and that bond remained strong even after our retirement. Butch called David twice a day, morning and night, every day. I always knew I wouldn’t see the end of the movie that night because of their long conversations. David cherished each one. They shared a brotherly bond that was unbreakable.

Linda will always hold a special place in David’s heart for the love and care she showed his father and the support she gave to her husband, Butch. His sister Judy was also incredibly important to him. She would call to reminisce about their childhood and offer encouragement, especially during the final days. Ashlee  and Alyssa often reminded David of the years they spent at the restaurant, how they learned about family and service. Lisa and Shane, along with their children Drew and Lauren, became the heart of our family. They were always there to lend a helping hand when any of us needed it. Their home became our gathering place for countless family events over the years. We also owe a special thanks to the Frederic family—Sandra, Kent, Dawn, and Peyton—for all their support. A special thank you to Dawn for her heartfelt help these past few months.

Frankie and Jody Clemintino were like a second set of siblings to David. Their bond was one of a lifetime. Frankie, having his own health struggles, and David supported each other through beautiful prayers and conversations. Frankie, you always made David feel better after every talk.

David was incredibly proud of his sons, Davy and Sam, and their involvement in the restaurant. He taught them the importance of serving the community, the employees, and the family. He was grateful that God gave them both such big hearts for family and a love for the community. Davy, though he only had a few years with his grandchildren Ella, Chloe, and Levi, cherished every moment with them. He will always treasure those memories. As for Sam’s wife Mandy—though she didn’t work at the restaurant—she quickly became the daughter David never had. She is a wonderful wife and mother, and together they brought their daughter, Kameron, into the world. During these last months, Kameron was a shining light for David.

To my dearest granddaughter, Kameron:
Every day that you are not with me,
I think about you.
I wonder what you are doing.
I pray that you are safe,
Well, and happy.
My love will follow you
Wherever you go.
No matter how old you are,
And no matter how far you travel,
Because I am your Papa,
And you will always be my granddaughter.
My love for you is forever.
Love, Papa

To all our Guys and Gals at Rocky Bayou Country Club—David still has the trophy from the 2007 Club Championship. From the time he was a boy, he loved golf. He started with his father and brother and, later in life, shared the joy with each and every one of you. You gave him countless good times and friendships. There are too many of you to name, but we could talk for a lifetime about the stories. Please, share your memories of David. He loved each of you deeply.

We can’t forget about fishing. From the moment they arrived in Florida, Butch and David bonded over their love of fishing and being on the water. David often said that it gave him the most peace he ever felt. Kenny, wherever you are, David loved every moment he spent fishing with you.

David fought the good fight and is now with his Heavenly Father. We will love and miss him every day. As you remember him or see something that reminds you of him, we ask that you help someone in need, as David always did. He was a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As special appreciation to Dr. Mose Hayes, oncology Ascension Sacred Heart and staff of David’s “girl friends” , Dr Gregory Ross and staff, Dr. Derby Twin City Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice.

David will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. His warmth, kindness, love, smile and quiet side will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life to honor David. My heart is full of sadness, and I will not be able to contain all the love you all will give. In the coming days, weeks, and years , I will see you and welcome your encouragement, little by little.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made is his name to St Jude, a cause that has always been close to his heart.

All My Love,

Diane Nicometo

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Thomas Nicometo, please visit our floral store.