Thomas Nistico, Sr. — known universally as “Tommy,” and a member of the beloved Nistico family who epitomized old Saugatuck as owners of the Arrow restaurant, then served new generations when they revived the famed Red Barn — died yesterday. He was 76
The son of Virginia and Frank Nistico Jr., he grew up in Westport and graduated from Staples High School. He furthered his education at Staunton Military Academy and Memphis State University, before dedicating the rest of his life to his family’s restaurant businesses.
Tommy was an avid sports fan, from football and golf to boxing and fishing. Especially important to him was his involvement in youth sports, and mentoring young children.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joan Domalewski Nistico; sons Thomas Jr. & his fiancée Charissa, and Daryl (Lisa); siblings Frank III, Lou, Pam, Richard, and brother-in-law Ron Domalewski, plus many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
He was predeceased by his younger brother John.
Visitation is set for Monday (November 9, 4 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk). A funeral service will be held Tuesday (November 10, 10 a.m., St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk)
In lieu of flowers, he requested any donations be made to the The Navy Seals. Checks can be written to the Navy League; in the memo line, write “for the RDAC Program.” Checks can be mailed to Captain Andrew Bisset, 18 Canfield Drive, Stamford, CT. 06902.
Tommy Nistico
RIP Tommy. One of the legends of the 20th century in Westport and beyond. Thank you for all you and your family have done.
Quite a guy…Condolences to all…RIP old friend.
Ditto on what Dave and Bill said. I always enjoyed seeing him and chatting with him at the Red Barn.
I remember Tommy as the funniest, most charismatic waiter at the Arrow restaurant many years ago. He was just a young man then but he made our dinners there fun and memorable. RIP Tom
Tommy was my first boss, when I was 14 years old. He hired me as a busboy at the Arrow. When I went in to apply for a job, he asked if I was 16 and I responded, “almost.” Things were a little looser back then. He was a tough guy but always treated me well. Condolences to his family.
Tommy was a true gentleman. We used to fish for striped bass off the bridges at Old Mill all the time. One time catching a 23 pounder. My heartfelt condolences to Joan and the entire Nistico family. He will be truly missed.
This breaks my heart. Tommy will be long-remembered for the thoughtfulness and support he provided my son as a junior golfer and the way he cared about all the junior golfers. He was always a smiling and compassionate face at Longshore. He and his family remain in my prayers
My memories of Tommy go back to PAL football, early 60’s. He was the biggest, toughest, nicest guy on the team, the guy I wanted to follow. Literally, when I had the ball he was the guy I wanted in front of me. And the guy I did not want to be across from in practice. The guy we all hoped would make the weight every week.
I knew Tommy from a series brief encounters at Longshore over the years. In episodes of two or three minutes of conversation, Tommy would ask about your family and how you were doing and was always so very kind and sympathetic .He was truly a “Buon Anima “.. a good soul.
He will be missed.
A big man with a heart as big as any in the big-hearted Nistico family. It was always a joy to run into Tommy.
RIP, Tommy. You were a tough guy with a huge heart. You were a pillar of strength as a two-way tackle on the great ’67 Wrecker team that upset a heavily favored Stamford Catholic squad to win the FCIAC title. I think I still carry bruises from scrimmaging against you in practice before you moved on to Memphis State via a football scholarship. Throughout your life you were a perfect representative of a wonderful Westport family.