Donald LeRoy Nicoll

Donald LeRoy Nicoll peacefully graduated from mortality at home on March 30, 2026, at the age of 93. He was ready to reunite with his beloved wife, Ann, who preceded him in death on October 22, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant, Don lived a life defined by dedication to family, country, and faith.

Don was born on January 7, 1933, in Prescott, Arizona. He spent part of his early childhood in Chino Valley before moving to Mesa, where he was primarily raised by his beloved grandmother, Clarinda Wilcox. As a young boy, he developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, raising rabbits to sell to a local grocer, managing beehives, and working in farming and gardening.

Down the street from his childhood home lived a young girl named Ann Allred. Though she was just three years old at the time, she would later become his lifelong companion and eternal sweetheart.

Don was a man of faith from an early age. He graduated from Mesa High School and completed seminary, then attended Arizona State College (now Arizona State University), where he studied math, physics, and electronics. During this time, he worked for Arizona Precast Company, helping manufacture and deliver cinder block.

With the Korean War and an active draft underway, Don chose to enlist in the United States Air Force. He completed multiple electronics technical schools and Officer Candidate School.

Early in his service, following basic training, Don was married to Lucia (Lucy) Flora Della Rocca, and together they welcomed two children, Donald Jr. (Nic) and Karen.

He ultimately served 20 years and retired with the rank of Major. His career took him across the United States and around the world, including assignments in California, Missouri, Illinois, New York, Mississippi, Texas, and Hawaii, as well as Okinawa, Taiwan, the Philippines, England, Japan, and Iran.

Don played a key role in the design and construction of advanced military radar and communications systems, including work supporting nuclear testing operations at Christmas Island and early warning missile detection systems in Iran and Japan. Wherever he served, he embraced the culture and people around him. He explored the bazaars of Shiraz and Isfahan, visited Persepolis, climbed the Elburz Mountains, swam in the Caspian Sea, paddled over 100 miles by canoe in Rome, New York, and frequently hiked the Superstition Mountains in Arizona.

An avid outdoorsman and leader, Don was deeply involved in Scouting. As a dedicated Scout leader, he led young men on numerous adventures, including three climbs of Mount Fuji.

Above all, Don’s greatest joy was his life with Ann, whom he affectionately called “Annie.” Together they served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving a mission together in Nauvoo, Illinois, and serving for over 20 years in the Manti, Utah, St. George, Utah, and Mesa, Arizona Temples. Don served as First Counselor in a bishopric in the Ephraim Utah 3rd Ward and fulfilled many other callings throughout his life.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ann Allred (Mortensen), his eternal companion, and his parents, Russell Alexander Nicoll and Judith (Wilcox) Nicoll Lind.

He is survived by his ten children: Donald Jr. (Nic) (Julie) Nicoll; Karen (Michael) Bybee; Sherry (Joe) Brinkerhoff; Tammy Ence; David (Alice) Mortensen; Stacey (Doug) Garrett; Trudy Blount (Dave Crozier); Laury (Webb) Moulton; Adam Nicoll; and Sarah (Nelson) Alvarado; as well as 40 grandchildren, 113 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Don was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a man who lived with purpose, curiosity, and unwavering devotion. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

We love you. Well done, good and faithful servant.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bunker Funeral Home, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.