Obituary of Nicholas Paolantonio Jr.

Nicholas John Paolantonio, Jr.
Hot Spot DJ Nicky

With hearts full of love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Nicholas John Paolantonio, Jr., affectionately known as Nicky, of Wall Township. Nicky passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family who cherished him beyond words.

Born in Long Branch, Nicky was raised in Oceanport, attended elementary school in Howell, and graduated from Wall High School in 1993. In 2021, he moved into his private apartment in their two-family home in Wall.

Nicky was a man of incredible warmth, talent, and compassion. He operated his own business, The Wheel Cover King, alongside his father’s business, before retiring and embracing his true passion—entertaining as a DJ. With determination and heart, he built Hot Spot DJ Nicky from the ground up, beginning with the ARC of Monmouth and growing it into a full-fledged entertainment enterprise, bringing joy to endless celebrations, from parties to weddings. He had a gift for lighting up a room and making every event unforgettable.

During his younger years, Nicky competed as an Olympian in many Special Olympic events. A moment of great pride came in 1995 when he was selected as the first torch bearer for the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run. He was also a dedicated member of Our Special Klub (OSK), where he built lifelong friendships and shared countless cherished memories.

One of Nicky’s greatest joys was singing. As a member of The Spotlighters, his performances were always a highlight, captivating audiences with his powerful tenor voice. His rendition of the National Anthem moved crowds to silence and tears at sporting events, ARC gatherings, and Buddy Walks. Of all the songs he performed, You’ll Never Walk Alone was his personal anthem—a song that spoke to his heart and spirit. And indeed, he never walked alone, for he was surrounded by love every step of his journey.

To know Nicky was to love him. He was the heart of his family—their joy, their inspiration, their greatest blessing. His niece and nephews were his world, and his devotion to them, and theirs to him, was unwavering. His parents and sisters consider Nicky the most precious gift God could have given them. He was his mother’s heart, his father’s pride, and his sisters’ greatest treasure. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his love and light will live on forever.

Nicky was predeceased by his beloved uncles, Robert Strano and Benjamin R. Harvey, and his aunt, Susan Strano. He is survived by his devoted parents, Nicholas and Ann Paolantonio; his loving sisters, Nicole Smack and her husband Scott, and Natalie Klobuchar and her husband Michael; his adoring niece and nephews, Noah, Canyon, Colton, Jonah, and Isabella; his cherished aunts and uncles, Carmelita Harvey, Harry and Mary Strano, Jr., Elaine Strano, Vito and Elizabeth Paolantonio, and John and Joyce Paolantonio; and numerous beloved cousins and dear friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township, on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a prayer service to follow that evening. Interment will be private.

Flowers are welcomed, or for those who wish, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Nicky’s honor, to the Down Syndrome Clinic and Research Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute.  Within this research center, The Hannah Rose Culotta Endowed Research Fund helps develop enhanced treatment approaches for individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lifetime. You can direct your donation to Kennedy Krieger Tributes.

For information, directions, or to leave a condolence message, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

Though Nicky has left this world, his song will never fade. His laughter, love, and incredible spirit will echo in the hearts of all who knew him—forever cherished, forever missed.