THERE ARE not many modelers who come
into our sport and leave a lasting memory
because of the technical contributions and the
camaraderie they fostered. John Nicolaci was
one of these notable modelers who did.
John passed away, 87 years young, on
November 12, 2009. This was one month after
the Bristol County R/C club held its first annual
John Nicolaci Float Fly at John’s favorite floatflying
place: Mary’s Pond in Rochester,
Massachusetts. The following remembrances
highlight some of the achievements in John’s
life.
John’s passion for aviation began at an early
age when he won first prize for the longest flight
of his rubber-powered airplane at the Jordan
Marsh store competition. He was educated in
Manhattan High School of Aviation. In the early
1940s, John worked in the engineering
department at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft in
Baltimore on the PBM Mariners, a patrol
bomber flying boat from World War II.
Among modelers, John is best known for his
scale 15-foot RC PBM pictured in this column.
He built the model more than 34 years ago,
utilizing foam construction techniques that he
pioneered.
It is powered by two Super Tigre .90 engines
with remote starters. It has operational bomb
bays, real jet-fuel assisted takeoff (JATO) assist,
flaps, and more. Since the 1970s his airplane has
graced many publications, many airfields
including the Joe Nall Fly-In, the Nats, and
numerous ponds and oceans. The model was
flown from New Bedford harbor to the island of
Martha’s Vineyard—more than 25 miles.
The large fuselage contained a fuel tank and
pumps to move the fuel to the nacelle tanks so
refueling wasn’t necessary. At John’s request,
his aircraft was retired in the facility that built
the original wings for the full scale PBM in
Maryland.
In the business world, John was a co-owner
and chief designer of Cliftex Corporation in
New Bedford. He manufactured men’s suits and
employed more than 2,000 people. His genius
was developing machinery for increasing
efficiency.
It was an honor to have known John. He
personified our district mission of friendship,
flying, and fun.
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
John Nicolaci built this PBM 30 years ago. This airplane has flown at numerous events around
the country and was retired for display after John passed away in November 2009.
The first annual John Nicolaci Float Fly was held in October 2009. In the front row are Walt
Witkos, Bud Bier, Fred Tuxworth, and Ted Brito; back row Nick Grosswendt, Gerry Dupont,
John Nicolachi, Dan Cronan, Don Lamothe, John Araujo, and Jonathan Bier.
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI 02917;
Home: (401) 231-6901;
Work: (401) 231-5380
For a complete listing of
district officers and volunteers, please
visit the District 1 Web site at
www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I Bristol County RC club members Gerry Dupont (
L) flew his 1/5-scale J-3
along with Ted Brito
(C) who flew his ¼-scale Super Cub off Mary’s Pond in Rochester MA.
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