Nicholas was born in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in Maplewood. He attended Michigan State University, the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He married Helen Claire Gayda in the early 1950s and resided in Newark. He served in the Army Reserves while starting a family and attaining his degree. In 1955, he went to work for Schering Plough Corporation in Bloomfield, New Jersey, as a pharmacologist doing research and development in the area of cardiovascular medications. In 1963, he moved to Jackson with his family. He remained with Schering Plough until his retirement in 1999. Nick had nine children and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nicholas served on the Schering Plough Fire Brigade from the 1970s until his retirement in 1999. He took all available fire training and served as an officer. He was a qualified CPR first aid instructor and medic with the Schering Plough Fire Brigade.

Nick was a communicant of St. Veronica’s RC Church in Howell since 1963. He had served in the Holy Name Society as president and treasurer, was an usher, and worked with the finance office as a collections counter.

Helen passed away in 1993 after a struggle with cancer. Nick was her primary caregiver around the clock for more than two months.

Nicholas joined the Jackson Township Fire Company #1/Station 55 family in late 1994. He became “Pop” to the company. He served as the hall rental manager. He had served as the CPR and first aid instructor, company vice president, treasurer “for life,” safety officer, and was an honorary chief. He spent countless hours at the firehouse and was a fixture.

He also served on the Howell Township First Aid Squad from 1994 to the time of his passing. He offered CPR and first aid training for the First Aid Squad and various other first responders in the area.

On February 11, 2020, the Jackson Township mayor and council issued a proclamation declaring, “In honor of his many years of exemplary service to Jackson Fire Station 55, for the unlimited amount of help he is always there to give, and for the friendship that he has extended to all of us throughout the years, we do hereby proclaim February 11, 2020, as Chief Nicholas Prioli Day in Jackson Township.” The council session took place on Nick’s 88th birthday.

Nicholas “Pop” Prioli passed away on the morning of Saturday, October 23, 2021, just after having responded to a motor vehicle accident in Jackson Township. It was his last call.