Nick Di Cresce

Nick Thomas Di Cresce, 58, of Detroit, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Nick was born on July 31, 1966, in Detroit to Eugene and Josephine Di Cresce. He was the third of four siblings and grew up in a large, loving, extended Italian family, with frequent visits from aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nick was always very active and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mountain-biking, and--as many friends and neighbors will remember--playing football on the field or in the streets of Edmunton, his childhood home in St. Clair Shores.

He especially loved peaceful nature walks. If you were lucky enough to accompany him on one of these adventures, you will have learned how to identify the difference between a white pine, red pine and a plethora of other trees, shrubs and flowers. He appreciated animals, birds and wildlife and would call out to them with various whistles and sounds; they often responded. He was a teacher at heart and always wanted to share his knowledge and love of the great Michigan outdoors.

Nick’s work ethic was admirable from a young age. Beginning at 11 years old, he rose before the break of dawn to go to work, delivering the Detroit Free Press in his neighborhood. In addition to his school work, he played multiple sports in almost every season, extending his days through long practices and games all year long, loving every minute of it.

After graduating from South Lake High School in 1984, Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit continued. He started Nick’s Lawn Service, providing landscaping services to many grateful homeowners, and employing many friends and family. His lawn service teams shared lifelong memories of their days together.

Nick went on to become a paramedic for the Detroit Fire Department where he received several mayoral commendations for his selfless, heroic and life-saving work. After retiring from the Fire Department, Nick studied science education and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wayne State University. He was proud to teach elementary-age children in Detroit for several years and built important, inspiring connections with his students and families.

He later pursued a full-time career as a nature interpreter at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center. Here, he hosted field trips and educational presentations, introducing many visitors—young and old—to nature’s treasures. From owl walks and bats to animal camouflage and snakes, he never ran out of fun facts to share.

Through outreach and advocacy, Nick took his love of teaching on the road and led nature programs in many places such as the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy, Wayne County Community College, and several locations in and out of state.

He founded the Motor City Archers and Archery in the D, extending his love for teaching and coaching. He trained and instructed many archery enthusiasts and athletes, many of whom developed a real passion for the sport of archery, whether they chose to shoot arrows competitively or simply enjoy it as a recreational activity. He was invited to serve on several local and national boards and was proud to extend an awareness of the sport he enjoyed so much. Over the years, he was also a coach and athletic director at several local schools.

Nick was known for his love of family, faith, nature, and of course, a fiercely competitive spirit. He was deeply involved in his community, and he dedicated his time to sharing his knowledge with others. He will be remembered by his larger-than-life personality, charitable spirit, work ethic and genuine love for everyone he encountered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dellashon Di Cresce, and his adored children: Christian Ratliff, Andrea Di Cresce, Alexandria Di Cresce, Nicholas Di Cresce and Maria Di Cresce. He was a loving sibling to Jean Marie Schwarzwalder (Karl), Julie Munson (Richard) and Joseph Di Cresce (Amy). He was especially appreciative of his mother Joann Di Cresce. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his father Eugene Di Cresce. He was a fun, inspiring, treasured uncle to a host of nieces, nephews and young people he embraced as his own.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Global Kids to continue Nick Di Cresce’s outreach work.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for Nick will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 1-8 p.m. at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236. A scripture service will be held at 7 p.m.

A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at noon, following, in-state services beginning at 10 a.m., at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080.