Nick Cardi, Furniture Heavyweight And Philanthropist, Dead At 71

A Rhode Island icon has died. On Friday, the Cardi family announced that Nick Cardi, furniture tycoon and philanthropist, died following a long battle with cancer.

Cardi is perhaps best-known for being one-third of Ni-Ro-Pe, the shorthand for he and his brothers Ron and Pete and slogan for their furniture empire.

According to the Cardi family, Nick was diagnosed with cancer four years ago.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick's wife, son and our family," the family said. "The Cardi family tradition in the furniture and mattress business continues with Ron, Pete & our entire team of employees, for many years to come."

Born in 1948, Nick and his brothers joined their family's furniture business in the 1970s, transforming it into the furniture empire that it is today.

Along with selling furniture, Cardi and his brothers were well-known in the community, giving back to local organizations through events, charities and fundraisers. Their faces are some of the most well-known in Rhode Island, immortalized as plush toys, cartoonish walk-around characters and more.

An outpouring of support from the community followed the announcement of Cardi's passing.

Diocese of Bishop Thomas Tobin expressed his condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with the Cardi Family at this time of loss. May Nick rest in the peace and joy of God's Kingdom."

The House of Representative's Republican Party, meanwhile, tweeted that Rhode Island "lost a champion."

Cardi's funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.