June 13, 1989 — Nov. 30, 2018

Nicholas “Nic” Joseph Krizinski, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formerly of Dowagiac, died unexpectedly of a sudden illness on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at his home.

Nic was born June 13, 1989, in Niles, to Frank and Judi Krizinski. Nic excelled in school and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 2008 with High Honors.

Nic was a state finalist two of his four years in varsity golf. He was editor of the yearbook, member of drama club, French club, Humanities and Varsity Clubs. After high school Nic attended Michigan State University for two years when he decided to pursue a career in Cosmetology at the prestigious Douglas J Aveda Institute, in East Lansing.

Nic’s career as a sought-after stylist, began in Lansing, which eventually took him to his present employer, Cardamones Salon in Downtown Pittsburgh. The salon was proud to have Nic as the only “Aveda Color Master” in the city. His co-workers, clients and numerous friends in Pittsburgh became an extended of family for Nic.

Anyone who knew Nic knew his passion for riding public transportation. We all delighted in reading his humorous Facebook and Instagram posts from the East Lansing CATA to the Pittsburgh Port Authority. A most recent post from him read “Starting a petition to end lining up in single file in preschool…….it doesn’t prepare them for the real world…. because, clearly, anyone that’s tried to take a bus downtown knows that we’ve forgotten the basic concept since kindergarten.”

As with his keen sense of humor Nic was also an interesting, smart, and talented young man. Friends would describe him as a “great influence on their lives.” Family would proudly describe him as a son, grandson, nephew and cousin that “marched to the beat of his own drum.” Nic’s parents would describe him as “one of a kind.” These wonderful qualities ultimately led him to spending much of his free time mentoring young adults struggling with complicated issues.

It is easily said that Nic will be greatly missed by all whom he loved and by all that loved him.

Nic is survived by his loving parents, Frank and Judi Krizinski, of Dowagiac, his partner Cody Bienkowski, also of Pittsburgh, grandparents, Jack and Karen Scanlon, of Dowagiac. and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nic was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Abe and Beva Krizinski. 

In keeping with Nic’s wishes, cremation and a private family service has taken place in Pittsburgh.

A celebration of life for Nic will be in Dowagiac at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers or cards, his parents ask that donations be made to the Cass County Animal Shelter because Nic “never met a dog he did not love.”