Nicholas Piediscalzi

Dr. Nicholas Piediscalzi, Ph.D., passed peacefully on July 1, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service, having dedicated his life to his family and the pursuit of peace and justice around the world.

Born on April 10, 1931, Nick was raised by his loving parents, Michael and Mary, in Chicago, Illinois along with his brother Alfred and sister Carol. He was surrounded by a big, noisy Italian family who were always there to support, encourage and keep him in line.

He graduated from Grinnell College with a B.A. in Philosophy and from Yale University with a Master of Divinity. After serving for four years as Campus Minister at United Church of Christ in Berkeley, CA he decided to leave the ministry to pursue an academic career and went on to Boston University to receive a Ph.D. in Religious Studies. With Ph.D. in hand he headed to Dayton, Ohio where he founded and chaired the Department of Religious Studies at Wright State University. He had a distinguished teaching career that included being the director of the Masters of Humanity Program and creating the Public Education Religious Studies Center (PERSC). After retiring he continued teaching as an adjunct professor at UC Santa Barbara.

One of the core pillars of his belief system was that spirituality is integral to all cultures, and therefore by understanding and respecting each others’ religious practices and traditions, greater peace can be achieved in the world.

He had an adventurous spirit and spent his life travelling the world. His nickname was “Mr. Rolodex” because he made friends and long-lasting connections in every place he went. His love language was ice-cream and the grandkids always said; “With Papa, all roads lead to ice-cream!”

Nick was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sibyl, his sister Carol Ann Rohr (Terry), his six children: Michelle Holstein (Bill), Lisa Piediscalzi (Kirk), Nick Piediscalzi, Chris Carter (Terri), Teresa Walters (Schuyler), and Mike Carter, and his grandchildren: Sarah, Jacqueline (Will), Eleanora, Elias, Jack, Michael (Vikki), Stephen, David and Schuyler, as well as 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary, and brother, Alfred Piediscalzi.

Memorial services will be held on July 18, 2026, at 11:00am at Peace United Church of Christ located at 900 High St, Santa Cruz, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated and can be made to: Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County: thefoodbank.org/donate/