Barbara Pavkovich Nicolella, 88, a lifelong resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, unexpectedly entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in her home. She was reunited with her beloved husband, Robert J. Nicolella, Sr., and her oldest son, Mark E. Nicolella.

Born March 30, 1938, Barbara was the daughter of the late Rose Pozgai Pavkovich and George Pavkovich and the last surviving member of her immediate family of 15 siblings. Family was at the center of Barbara’s life from the very beginning. She held a special place in her heart for each of her siblings, especially her best friends, the late Nancy Wilson and Rose Ross. She loved sharing stories of her childhood and spoke especially fondly of her mother, who passed along to Barbara her tender beauty, calm presence, and quiet strength.

Barbara graduated from Trinity High School in Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1956 and later attended Penn Commercial Business School, where she developed the secretarial skills that would begin her professional career. She worked for many years as a legal secretary for the John McCreight Sr. Law Firm. Mr. McCreight and his family made a lasting impression on Barbara during her years as a young woman. Bright, capable, and dedicated, Barbara was even recruited by the FBI in Washington, D.C., but chose instead to remain in Washington, Pennsylvania, close to the family she treasured. She continued working for Mr. McCreight until the birth of the youngest of her five children. Barbara was also a long time parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church in Washington.

Barbara’s greatest calling, however, was always her family. She devoted herself to being a doting wife and mother while also helping her husband with his business, Peppino’s Deli and Catering. She later became an integral part of their family restaurant, Peppino’s in Washington, where she enjoyed her time for 33 years before officially retiring in 2018. Her homemade peanut butter and coconut cream pies were customer favorites.

Those who knew Barbara also knew her love for beautiful fresh flowers and decorating for every holiday, traditions she lovingly passed along to her daughters. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and proud season ticket holder. Some of her favorite memories included traveling with her husband and friends from Elks Lodge #776 to cheer on the Steelers at Super Bowl IX in New Orleans and Super Bowl X in Miami. Her travels with Robert also took her to Italy, on Caribbean cruises or many times to Atlantic City which were always the times of her life. She loved a custom-made dress or outfit and regularly attended dances and events proudly with her husband. Meeting Liberace backstage at an event in Pittsburgh was also a big experience she talked about for years. Every summer, her and Robert’s priority was a family vacation. They traveled each year to the Jersey shore or a fun vacation spot after loading the family station wagon with their five children and often a babysitter too. It was important to Barbara for her family to have those memories and experiences as those types of events were not a part of her childhood.

In retirement, Barbara loved watching both old and new movies and was always ready with a recommendation for her family. Daily, she followed the national news and current events and remained remarkably sharp until her passing. Her children could always count on her to make sure they knew what was happening in the world.

Barbara was beautiful inside and out. She was generous to those less fortunate and had a gift for offering encouragement, wisdom, and sound advice exactly when it was needed. Over the years, many friends shared with her children how much Barbara’s words, kindness, and guidance had meant to them.

Above everything else, Barbara dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She married the love of her life, Robert J. Nicolella, Sr., on August 12, 1961. Together they shared 51 beautiful years of marriage before his passing on May 8, 2012. Their life together was built around family, hard work, traditions, and a home filled with love.

Her children, Tony G. Nicolella and Robert Joseph Nicolella, Jr., both of Washington, Pennsylvania, Mary Jo (Tony) Verardi of O’Hara Township, Pennsylvania and Barbara Rose Nicolella of McMurray, Pennsylvania, were the apples of her eye. Nothing made Barbara happier than sharing a meal or simply spending time with her children. Her heart was full when everyone was together.

Of all the titles Barbara held throughout her life, “Nonna” was her favorite. Her love and admiration for her grandchildren were immeasurable. From the time they were born through the adults they became, she could never get enough time with them. Her grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Petrow of Denville, New Jersey, Anthony “Toto” Verardi, Nicolena (Anthony) Rush, and Isabella Verardi (fiancé Jonathan Kashmere), all of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will forever cherish their Nonna and the countless loving memories they shared with her.

Barbara was also blessed with three great-grandsons, Jordan and Adam Petrow and Anthony John Rush. Although the time she was able to share with them was far too short, her love and pride for them were immeasurable. Seeing her family continue into another generation brought her tremendous joy.

Along with her parents, husband, and oldest son, Barbara was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Roberta Jeanne Nicolella; her in-laws, Antonio and Nicolina Nicolella, Angelo and Betty Nicolella, and Joseph and Patty Nicolella; and her siblings, Ann (Mike) Abajace, Kay (Joe) Brownlee, Rose (Bill) Ross, Sophie (Lee) Knox, Mary (Mac) Strawn, Helen (Clifford) Irey, Nancy Wilson, Steve (Jennie), Nick, John, Joseph (Virginia), and Frank Pavkovich. Two brothers also died in infancy.

Along with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Barbara is survived by her stepson, William (Bill) Nicolella of Washington, Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews, including Sally Abajace Jubas who was also her classmate and dear friend, her very special niece, Penny Ross Hlipala, and her lifelong childhood friend, Catherine Desmond, all of whom held a very special place in her heart.

Barbara leaves behind the traditions she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the wisdom and quiet tenderness she shared. Above all, she leaves behind an unwavering love and devotion to her family that will live on for generations. Of all the titles she held throughout her life, none made her prouder than Wife, Mom and Nonna. She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and lovingly remembered by those who were blessed to call her by those names.

Friends will be received on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director. A Departing Prayers of Transfer Service will be held at 8:30 A.M. in the funeral home on Monday, August 24, 2026 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 W. Chestnut St., Washington with the Rev. Alec Scheuer as celebrant. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. In her memory, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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