Nicola's Nick Caggiano safe

Friends of Nicola Pizza in Rehoboth Beach can breathe easier: Nick Caggiano Jr. is back with his family and safe.

Caggiano's father, Nicola founder Nick Caggiano, said his son was safe but did not wish to comment further.

Cape Henlopen school board Vice President Spencer Brittingham, a former classmate of Nick Jr., said several members of Cape Henlopen's class of 1983 had expressed concern over Nick's disappearance and reached out to the Caggiano family.

"He's coming home and coming home soon," Brittingham said. "By the end of the week he should be back."

Brittingham said he did not know where Nick had been; he was notified by Nick Sr. on Jan. 22 that Nick Jr. was safe.

Caggiano has been missing since Jan. 12 after he left his Ocean View home for work. The family became concerned when Nick did not show up for work, and later contacted Delaware State Police.

Nick's mother, Joan Caggiano, said she last saw her son the night before he disappeared, as he left work at the restaurant. She said he told her goodbye as he left, but he was not angry or agitated. The next day, her husband called her from the restaurant to tell her their son had not come in for work.

Joan said Nick had left his cellphone at home, which was unusual, but his wife believed he was on his way to work. The family began to wonder about his whereabouts around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 12 when Nick did not show up at the restaurant. She said although Nick did not have his cellphone, he did have his credit card and cash. Joan said the credit card has not been used since Nick disappeared. She said his boat was also still in its slip.

Cpl. Gary Fournier of the Delaware State Police issued an update Jan. 23 that Nicholas S. Caggiano had returned home and appeared to be in good health. No further information was released.