Paul was born on October 31, 1966 in the sub-district of Stepney, London Borough of Tower Hamlets. He graduated from Bow Boys Primary School. Starting at 8 years old, he worked in the Petticoat Lane Market on weekends. He enjoyed growing up in London, exploring the city, and getting into trouble with his brother, cousins and mates. It was there he discovered David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Gary Numan, Pink Floyd, Dungeons and Dragons, and arcade games. He also discovered electronics and these amazing devices called computers.
After he and his family emigrated to the lush landscape of Phoenix, Arizona in 1985, Paul obtained an Associates Degree in Electronics from ITT. He was a Computer Technician by trade and hobby. He often built computers for friends, family or neighbors from spare parts.
Paul was a man of many talents: he could play pennywhistle; caper high in a morris dance; write calligraphy; throw epic parties; cook; and fix plumbing. He was a natural leader, heading Bedlam Bells Morris and Sword for years and running the Red Branch Guild in World of Warcraft.
His passions included gaming, anime, 3D printing, model making, leather working, and metal working. Over the years, he performed with Bedlam Bells Morris and Sword, the Society for Creative Anachronism, the Oxymoronz improv group, the Arizona Renaissance Faire, the Red Branch band and haunted houses.
He was a bona fide Funcle (fun Uncle). At family gatherings, he could often be found horsing around with the kids. He loved his many nieces and nephews (of both family and friends) and loved spending time with them playing video games, board games, Dungeons and Dragons or just hanging. Although he remained a kid at heart throughout his life, he was wise and practical, and a surprisingly good influence.
As a Reverend of the Universal Life church, Paul officiated at the weddings of many friends. He was especially chuffed to have married his godson Theo and wife Hope.
Paul was simultaneously charming, witty, rude, and crude. He was a master of the English art of complaining. He was adept at stimulating discourse – especially on Facebook where he was often consequently kicked off.
Although he didn’t suffer fools, stupidity, or betrayal, he had an enormous heart and would always help friends or family in whatever way he could.
Paul’s big personality and spirit will be missed and remembered by many. He had a huge extended family through blood, marriage and friendship. The love he received and gave was his life’s riches. The colorful memories of him are ours.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathleen Annunziata Nicolaides; his parents Rose and Theodossios Nicolaides; his brother Timothy (Jerica) Nicolaides; his niece Mariana aka Cookie Nicolaides; his godson Theodossios (Hope) Nicolaides; his niece Neave aka The Monster Nicolaides; and his dogs Peggy and Ziggy. We all loved him and miss him very much.
He will be cremated and his ashes planted with a tree as was his wish. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or making a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the Humane Society.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.6