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Home > Blogs > Uncorked > Archives > 2008 > June > 04 > Entry
Dayton wine community suffers another loss
I am very saddened to pass along the news that Todd Nikolai passed away yesterday, on June 3.
Todd oversaw the wine shop at Dorothy Lane Market’s Oakwood store for several years before jumping to the wholesale end of the wine business, working most recently for Mason-based Vintner Select.
Todd was knowledgeable, patient, and kind. He was, I believe, 40 years old — much too young to be taken from us, and especially, from his family. He leaves behind a wife and 3-year-old daughter.
Michael Brown, a colleague of Todd’s at Vintner Select, sent out the following email this morning:
It is with the greatest regret I inform you that Todd Nikolai of our company passed away yesterday.
Todd has been an important part of Vintner Select for over 10 years. We will miss him profoundly, both personally and professionally. I have known Todd for 16 years since he was a buyer I called on as a sales rep when I first got into the wine business. He was one of the reasons I came aboard the company last fall.
We will all feel his loss. He was well known in the Dayton community. He had spent nearly 10 years at Dorothy Lane Market as one of the wine directors. Many knew Todd from his days in the Dayton market when he worked as a our rep. In the last few years he was still calling on a small group of Dayton area accounts while managing our US and Southern Hemisphere portfolios.
I do not know details of the arrangements, but will provide them as soon as I receive them.
I will pass along any information about services. Please feel free to post a comment here on Uncorked if you knew or were touched by Todd Nikolai.
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Comments
By Stephanie Gottschlich
July 10, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I saw there’s a wine luncheon on July 19th for Todd Nikolai’s family. Somehow I missed the news he died. Or I saw it, and it didn’t register. I met Todd while working as a server at the Blue Moon in the Oregon District. Todd was a favorite wine rep among the servers at the Moom. He was funny, warm, a kinda regular guy and taught us a lot and respected what we had to say about wines. He gave me my all-time favorite wine key (servers have their preferences on wine keys. It is an important thing, makes or breaks your presentation at the table. This one had the best feel in my hand - I felt confident in opening every bottle.) I still have the wine key. But we no longer have Todd. Damn. What a cruel world.By Cynthia (Manila)
June 16, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I remember Todd from my first days of wine tasting at DLM, still in his braces. I was always surprised that someone so young could be so well informed and passionate about wine, and yet make a novice like me feel included in the experience. He will be sorely missed.By Tom Columbus
June 10, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen as many grown men cry as I did at Todd’s funeral. I was surprised at the depth of my own emotion — Todd was our neighbor years ago; we saw him since only occasionally. But, as my wife said, he always made her laugh. And I remember his kindness to our young basketball-loving son as Todd shared his own boyhood driveway basket. I saw Todd as a loving son to his father, so I have no doubt he, in turn, was a loving husband and father. No wonder we miss him.By chiefwino
June 9, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Again best wishes to Wendy, Carina, and the whole Nikolai family during this difficult time. The visitation on Friday was one of the best celebrations of a life well lived that I have ever experienced. It is amazing the impact one person can have on the lives of others. God speed - Todd.By Kirk
June 9, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Todd (along with Ed) was one of the first customers that I called on when I started as a sales rep for Ohio Valley Wine. I was green and knew next to nothing about wine. I have always said that Todd trained me to his palate. Fortunately he had a very good one. Thanks Todd, God bless.By Cynthia
June 6, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Todd was one of those lucky guys who lived every day with enthusiasm, wit, patience and love. He was a gentle soul and he will be deeply missed in our lives.By Jessica
June 6, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Of the hundreds of encounters I had with Todd over the years, every single one of them left me with a smile. His sarcastic wit never failed at bringing light to my days. We shared our love of Napolean Dynamite, Armando’s Deli, Troni’s Pizza, and of course wine. He taught me endless things about wine over the past 9 years. When I saw his Volvo pull into our parking lot every Tuesday, it sent joy through me, which is not always the case in this industry. My husband and Todd shared a love of cured meats, good hot dogs, and many other culinary delights. His tastes focused on purity of flavor and a sense of place, something Todd carried through the whole of his life. Our hope is for peace and strength for Wendy and Carina, and a legacy of good living.By Jack D.
June 6, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Todd was obviously a great great person. There’s little I can add to all the terrific accolades that have been sent here. Clearly, his legacy is one of happiness, gentleness and good example. Wendy should have courage and comfort in the knowledge that he is surely safe and pain free in the presence of our God.By Steve
June 6, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
Very sad news indeed. Despite selling for different companies at the beginning of this decade Todd always had a smile on his face and a way to make everyone around him laugh. My heartfelt condolences to his family, will be sure to pull a nice cork tonite in honour…By Kat
June 5, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
My husband and I knew Todd from the wine industry. One of my fondest memories of Todd is that we both had a love for the quirky movie Napoleon Dynamite. Either you loved the movie or hated the movie, there is no in between. Todd would do a great rendition of Napoleon Dynamite which in turn would send me into a fit of giggles. He had told me he was having a party in which everyone would dress as their favorite character of the movie and of course he would be the star. Some of his favorite lines were “Gosh”, “you wanna play me”, “Can you bring in my chapstick”, “My lips hurt real bad”. So every time that I would run into Todd he would share with me how badly his lips hurt. It never got old, you had to have been there. I loved his honesty, wit and sense of humor.By Steve Dearth
June 5, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
It has been an amazing journey, working with Todd, the last four years. He made me feel that I wasn’t just a driver, and he, a sales rep. We were a team. We all have been blessed to have had Todd in our lives. Farewell, my friend. Godspeed!By Kevin A.
June 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Todd loved life. I remember him from high school days, working with him at DLM in the dairy/cheese area, enjoying good laughs at local Dayton pubs, and playing / hacking 150+ stroke golf with bright orange rental clubs at Rollandia golf course. He was a true friend that will always be with us in spirit. We pray for him, his wonderful wife Wendy, daughter Carina, and their family. He was loved, and is now with God smiling on us all.By kevin keith
June 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
I was told yesterday by the folks at Vintner Select and was truly stunned by the news. I’ve known Todd for almost 10 years now, though living and working in Cincinnati, I hadn’t seen him much. Todd and I were both “adult re-entry” students at Wright State during the day, and he was my rep for Vintner while I was at Cafe Boulevard. Todd had a great love for wine, as well as for a great joke. He will truly be missed for the passion and levity he brought to our local wine world. My prayers go out to his wife, daughter and the Nikolai family. Kevin K.By Stephany
June 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I am shocked and saddened by Todd’s death. On Monday,he was in great spirits,humble and grateful to be nearly fully recovered.I will remember Todd’s generosity,passion, intelligence,quiet faith,total dedication to his family and most of all his infectious humor. I pray that his family will be wrapped in love at this most difficult time.By Sue
June 5, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with the fundraiser. Wendy & Todd went out of their way quietly to help others… it is now time we help them. He is so greatly missed. We miss Todd’s humor and the deep love he had for his family. Wendy, my dear friend I’m so sorry.By Marty Lou
June 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I did not know Todd very well, but I do remember him as a very nice man who really knew his wine. He was obviously greatly loved, as evidenced by all the comments posted here. Given that he leaves behind a wife and a very young child, it seems to me that the wine community here could come together to aid his daughter’s education fund, as a tribute to him. Perhaps a special tasting held in his memory, with the intent of raising money for this fund? I’m not affiliated with the wine industry here—I’m a college instructor—but I would do my part to attend such an event, spread the word, and donate. I realize that the fund exists within a local banking institution, but an event would draw a crowd and make it easy to donate, so potentially a much larger amount of money could be raised.By Jeff & Nancy Graff
June 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
This is a tragic loss for anyone who had the good fortune to know Todd. While he was one of the greatest people in the wine industry, he was an even better person. Our lives are much better as a result of knowing and working with him the past ten years. To Wendy, Carina, and the entire Nikolai family, our hearts are breaking with yours. Much love, Jeff & Nancy GraffBy Ed
June 5, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I first met Todd when he was 14 years old cleaning up the basement at DLM. When he first came to the wine department he was not old enough to taste what he sold. Instead he learned the history of wine and how it changed with the interaction of countries over the centuries. Once he was allowed to taste, it all came together and wine was his passion. How could work be this much fun, it was because of his sense of humor, his caring attitude and the enthusiasm that comes with learning something new that is as old as human history. He will be greatly missed by me and my heart goes out to Wendy and Carina and the Nikolai family. EdBy MJ
June 5, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
This is very sad news indeed. Todd was a consummate professional, but one with a sneaky, charming, off-handed wit. When I heard the news, I fondly flashed back to a time when I was selling wine to Todd at DLM and he had me laughing so much that my stomach was hurting me and I was begging him to stop so that I could get a moment’s relief. When I finally got to my car in the parking lot, it was only then that I realized that in the 30 minutes or so that Todd had me completely in stitches, that I had forgotten to even ask him for an order. He loved wine, but he wasn’t all about wine. First and foremost, he was about the love of life and friends and family. Todd, you will be missed greatly.By Tom
June 5, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
This is truly stunning. To me, Todd represented what life was about—how to live, how to laugh. My wife and I knew the Nikolai’s for several years. He never failed to have us busting with laughter when we got together. We had an Italian class together, and would sometimes meet at a local eatery to practice pronunciation (okay, really to eat pizza and pasta and drink wine!). I knew I was hanging out with a very respected and well-liked personality when I saw Dorothy Lane Market name a sandwich after him (how many of us can say that??). The Dayton community has truly lost a caring, generous, and uplifting spirit. Our thoughts and prayers to Wendy and Carina during this rough time.By Darrin
June 5, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Todd was among the very first people I met in the Dayton wine biz scene when I came into town over 14 years ago. We had a great talk that day - something that I have never forgotten, and since then I’ve known him as a consumer, competitor and client. It was always a pleasure to see him, and talk with him over the years. His heart of gold attitude, love for people, knowledge, integrity and passion for wine were always quite obvious…and when it came to this business, he was always one of the few that “got it”. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends….By Chris Wheeler
June 4, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
It was truly an honor to work beside such an incredible person as Todd Nikolai. He had the gift of making everyone around him better by just being there. I consider him family and I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to Wendy and the Nikolai family in this most difficult of times.By Michael Brown, Vintner Select
June 4, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
The arrangements for Todd’s funeral and visitation are as follows: The visitation is Friday, 6/6, from 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering, OH. (address:2100 E. Stroop Rd. Phone: 937-293-4137). There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, 6/7, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church (where he and Wendy were married). This is at the southwest corner of Far Hills Avenue and Dorothy Lane.By Bruce
June 4, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
I met Todd when he worked at Oakwood DLM and I was running Tasters’ Guild for Arrow, but there was never a conflict of interest - wine was a common denominator and bond, as it usually is. I watched as he finished school, finished orthodontia, moved on to the wine wholesale business, worked briefly for Pecota, came back to area wholesale, married, became a father - a life-story unfolding in a series of brief meetings and conversations with an intelligent, understanding, helpful, thoughtful, and thoroughly pleasant, memorable young man. The world enjoys too few such people, and he will surely be missed by many in addition to his beautiful wife and daughterBy Tom
June 4, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Todd was a friend, colleague and neighbor. I too will miss his wit and friendship. As a fellow lover of music, I’ll toast Todd with a favorite of mine. The Parting Glass Traditional Oh, all the money e’er I had, I spent it in good company. And all the harm that ever I’ve done, alas it was to none but me. And all I’ve done for want of wit to mem’ry now I can’t recall; So fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all. Oh, all the comrades e’er I had, they’re sorry for my going away. And all the sweethearts e’er I had, they’d wished me one more day to stay. But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not, I gently rise and softly call, Goodnight and joy be with you all.By Lisa
June 4, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
When I first moved to Dayton and wasn’t quite a fan of the area yet, I ran itno Todd in the Wine dept at DLM. He was one of the first true kind souls I had met and he personally toured me around the store while selling me on some of Dayton’s finer attractions. He will forever have a place in my heart for that. To his wife and daughter, heartfelt condolences and a vow to someday share with his little girl stories of what a great impression her dad made on many of us.By Teri D
June 4, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Todds friendship and warm smile will be missed by so many as he was one of a kind..My prayers to Wendy and little one..He loved you very very much.By Ann Boucher
June 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I’m deeply saddened by this news. Todd was a very bright and talented young man with much to offer our industry. More importantly, he was truly a wonderful human being. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.By Richard
June 4, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
First and foremost, my prayers go to the Nikolai family as well. I’ve known Todd since he worked at DLM in Oakwood. I don’t think he was old enough to work in the wine department—then. Todd was a class act and although he really knew his wines, he never talked down to us rank amateurs. The world is a little sadder today for his passing.By lovewine
June 4, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Todd always knew what red wine my wife liked…now we have seven kids.By mel
June 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
when I startes selling wine 2 1/2 years ago todd was the clostest thing i had to a mentor. although we worked for different companies he was alway willing to answer my questions about how things were done and always provided encourgement when things were going slow. he will be missed and my prayers go out to his familyBy Arthur
June 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
My condolences to Todd’s family and friends.By George Punter
June 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
I am so sorry for his family and especially his daughter who will not get to know him as we have over the years. One of the finest gentlemen I have had the privilage to know. He felt like a son and I will miss him very much. He had a passion for everything he loved, food wine and his family and friends. I will miss his dry wit and sarcasm. He managed to turn me on to wines and it helped give me another career. I will miss him..By Steve
June 4, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Todd was truly an amazing person. His ability to make me laugh at any moment would put a smile on my face in anticipation. We have been friends since before I can remember and though our paths seperated at times when we got together it was like we had never been apart. I will deeply miss my friend. Heaven has just become a whole lot funnier.By Kim B.
June 4, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
What a horrible loss! Many of us met Todd years ago when he worked for DLM, in the wine and cheese department. We affectionately named him CheeseBoy. He was such a great guy, with an amazing spirit and personality. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nikolai family.By Marty
June 4, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I lived in the area for 17 years before moving west this year. I logged on to see what was happening with the Moraine plant only to be saddened by this news. Todd was the nicest person you could want to meet. He helped me with wine and beer orders and selections, especially around Octoberfest, which was a favorite time for him. My prayers and sympathies go out for his family and many friends.By John Canelli
June 4, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Todd was just a fine person who was always ready to share his extensive knowledge of wines. His down-to-earth manner made wine more approachable for people who were nervous about appearing foolish when buying a bottle they knew nothing about.By Dennis Hall
June 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing and working with Todd since 1987; first as a customer at DLM Oakwood, then a DLM colleague and finally a wholesale customer. His genuine love of wine and fellow winos was only overshadowed by his love for his family. The Dayton region lost a fine gentleman and friend.By Tony
June 4, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I am very saddened with the news about Todd. I have known him for many years, first at the DLM in Oakwood, later at the DLM in Washington Square and also, even, although I am not in the wine business, when he was a rep for Robert Pacota winery and recently for Vintner Select. What makes it even worse for me, is that I chatted with him this last Saturday at DLM in Washington Square and saw him again Monday morning at the Oakwood DLM. He was a true gentleman, knew his wines and more importantly respected and took care of his customers with a smile. We will miss him very much.By MIF
June 4, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
First and foremost my heart goes out to his wife and daughter. Todd was a true pioneer in the Dayton wine market. Through his knowledge you could tell that selling wine was more than just an occupation for him, it was a true passion. When Todd sold wine to me I could always count on a few laughs as well as getting to taste and learn about some of the worlds best wines. Todd will be truly missed…. Mif Frank and family