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Nicholas Charles Colegrove
The world lost some of its joy and light on Tuesday, October 14th, when Nicholas Charles Colegrove of Chicago, IL tragically left this life and was embraced by the arms of the Lord. Nicholas, dearest son of Michael Colegrove and Lynn (nee LaBarbera) Colegrove, dear brother of Patrick J. Colegrove, grandson of paternal grandmother Norma Phillips. Preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Larry Phillips, and maternal grandparents Pat and Barbara LaBarbera. He will be dearly missed by many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Nicholas attended St. Mary of the Woods School through eighth grade, followed by Northside College Preparatory High School and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and was a current student at the Advocate Christ Medical Center EMS Academy Paramedic Program in Oak Lawn.
Nicholas was known for his generous spirit, love for his family and his sweet dog Finney. He was a cycling, baseball, skiing, hiking, camping, traveling, music, reading, and painting enthusiast. He packed so much into his brief life. Nicholas had a very strong faith which helped to guide his life choices. In 2021, with his national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers, Nicholas cycled across the country in the Ability Experience’s Journey of Hope, fundraising and raising awareness for people living with physical and mental disabilities. He was known for his inspiring daily morning prayers before the cyclists hit the road. During the journey, he enjoyed participating in many Friendship Visits across the country, along with his cyclist team. He was a crew member for the Journey the following year. After college graduation, Nicholas became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). While working as an EMT, Nicholas was pursuing paramedic training. For the last few months, he devoted many hours to classroom, practical emergency room, and fire department training.
Visitation is Tuesday, October 28, 4-7 pm, with a prayer service to follow, from 7-8pm at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Ability experience
https://give.abilityexperience.org/campaign/738402/donate
21 Entries


Prayer walk around the UIUC campus with Nich during summer.
Sangwoo Suk
October 28, 2025
Dear Nich’s Family,
My name is Sangwoo, and I had the privilege of knowing Nich. I wanted to share with you how deeply saddened I am to hear of his passing.
Nich was always such a fun and enjoyable person to be around. I will always remember the times he joined me on prayer walks, where we interceded together for our campus. His presence brought encouragement, joy, and a genuine spirit of friendship.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Nich was a great kid, and he will be remembered with warmth and gratitude by those of us who had the blessing of spending time with him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Sangwoo
Sangwoo Suk
October 28, 2025
Dear Nich’s Family,
My name is Sangwoo, and I had the privilege of knowing Nich. I wanted to share with you how deeply saddened I am to hear of his passing.
Nich was always such a fun and enjoyable person to be around. I will always remember the times he joined me on prayer walks, where we interceded together for our campus. His presence brought encouragement, joy, and a genuine spirit of friendship.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Nich was a great kid, and he will be remembered with warmth and gratitude by those of us who had the blessing of spending time with him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Sangwoo Suk
Jill Sullivan
October 28, 2025
Nick was a student in both my geometry and AP Stats classes. I appreciated and enjoyed his presence. I am so sorry to hear this news. I send my love and light to his family and friends. - Ms. Jill Sullivan

Ben Marthey
October 28, 2025
Nick was such an amazing and kind person. He made everyone around him smile and he always knew how to get you to laugh. I’ve never met someone with as gentle of a heart as him. I will miss Nick and never forget the time we spent together and the memories we made. My prayers are with Nick and your family.

Casey Cancilla
October 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss Colegrove family, Nick was always a safe space for me and a kind heart throughout high school. When I think of high school, a hard time for me, Nick was always a light. I’ll never forget the positive influence he had on my life and those around him.

Nick was such an amazing and inspiring person. He never failed to make others around him laugh and feel welcome. Nick always knew how to make you feel special and blessed to be in his life, I will never forget the memories we made and the friendship we sh
Ben Marthey
October 28, 2025
Nick was such an amazing and inspiring person. He never failed to make others around him laugh and feel welcome. Nick always knew how to make you feel special and blessed to be in his life, I will never forget the memories we made and the friendship we shared.
Carol & Ricardo Gilmore-Garcia Badaracco
October 27, 2025
We are holding your family in our hearts and wishing you strength, love, and comfort.
Kittridge Family
October 27, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sarah O'Connell
October 27, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and extend our deepest sympathies to you and everyone whose life Nicholas touched.
- Sarah & Alyssa



Brittany Wardie
October 26, 2025
Robert Lee
October 25, 2025
I rode across the country with Nick during the summer of 2021. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Nick knows what a shining ray of sunshine he was. Nick was spirited, loving, and put his heart into everything he did. Nick was the heart of our team. Almost every morning, Nick lead our team in the morning prayer, demonstrating his commitment to God and his love for all of us. Nick made an impact on every member of our team, and even more so on every individual we spent time with on the trip. Nick was always willing to go the extra mile during our friendship visits and the people we spent time with certainly felt his passion. Nick will never be forgotten and may every future Journey of Hope team carry on his love by bringing passion and energy to the individuals they get the pleasure of meeting. I love you Nick, may your soul rest in eternal peace.



Fernando Cortes
October 25, 2025
You were a high spirit and positive friend and brother. I’ll never forget the memories we’ve made on Journey of Hope in 2022, riding in the van together and hanging out at crew stops. I miss and love you Nick.
A H
October 24, 2025
It was an absolute gift meeting Nick in this lifetime. He shone unbelievably bright. His warmth and kindness was unlike anyone I’ve ever known. Any person who’s had the pleasure of meeting him would surely say the same. I am so very grateful our paths crossed. He will continue to be in my thoughts.
AD
October 24, 2025
I wish I had gotten to know you better, but the conversations we did have left an impression of positivity and joy in my life. Rest in peace, Nick.
E I
October 24, 2025
Some of my fondest memories in school were of Nick and his boundless positivity, spirit and kindness. The universe was blessed to have Nick in it, and more laughs and smiles than Nick could have known were all thanks to him. Sending love and blessings to his family and friends.
A G
October 24, 2025
The world will miss a person as amazing as Nick. I’ll cherish all the memories with Nick, for he is one of the reasons why I remember high school so fondly.
Jamey Hansen
October 24, 2025
I temember Nick with his bleached beautiful hair cycling with my grandson back in 2021 and all his morning prayers as they would begin the Journey of Hope He was the one that would lead every morning with his prayers. Loved him and he will definitely missed by everyone. RIP Nick and know that he helped many along struggling with disabilities that are so thankful to have met him in 2021 with His Fraternity Brothers. God Bless and condolences to his Family
Randy and Lora Howard
October 24, 2025
We met Nicholas in Denver when he was on the cross country bike tour and were moved by his friendliness and kind spirit. Much love and prayers to the entire family.
A I
October 23, 2025
I had the privilege of going to school with Nick. His humor and energy always stood out, and the memories I have of him will stay with me forever. It’s so hard to lose an old friend. You’ll be missed, Nick.
Brittany Wardie
October 23, 2025
What a beautiful tribute to Nicholas’s very special life. He will never be forgotten. I will always think of his big smile and joyful attitude when I remember him. Sending so much love!!

High School homecoming King.
Norma Clear-Colegrove-Phillips
October 23, 2025
My beloved and loving grandson. ❤ Your bright star was stolen from this earth. It will shine forever in the evening sky. I'm sure your grandparents arms are wide open. I will miss you here on earth.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Oct
28
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Oct
28
7:00 p.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Funeral services provided by:
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714

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