Thomas William Nickoloff (born March 16, 1954) passed away suddenly on February 12, 2025, of a heart attack. Tom was the beloved son of Virginia L. Nickoloff with whom he lived in Villa Rica, GA, and whose principal caregiver he was; the cherished brother of James and Jac; the devoted father of Mary Willette Engels and Camila Mariel Nickoloff; and the proud grandfather of Avery James and Natalie Ann Engels whom he adored. He remained good friends with his former spouses Dixie Nickoloff and Erika Nickoloff.

Tom was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Sierra Madre, CA. After graduating from Pasadena High School, he spent several years in Hawaii, where he enjoyed the beach, and in Colorado, where he continued skiing. Eventually, he found his way to Atlanta, GA, where he entered the Mexican restaurant business.

Tom focused much of his working life on food, especially the regional cuisines of Mexico. He was a fantastic chef and loved to cook for others. He was the founder of La Paz, Inc., which opened ten restaurants in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.

Tom was a serious fan of nearly all sports, having played baseball and football as a boy. In recent years he cheered on all the Atlanta teams.

He was a consummate host and took the lead in organizing a brilliant 100th birthday celebration for his mother last August which many family members and friends attended.

Tom had a gift for making and keeping friends, willingly sharing his growing interest in spirituality, history, and politics. He was also very humble and quick to applaud the accomplishments of others.

His passing leaves a deep wound in all our hearts.

Friends and family are invited to send condolence messages to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.