Robert "Mr. Nick" Nicholson's Obituary
On May 3, 2023, Robert (Mr. Nick) Nicholson, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston.
Born on the Fourth of July in 1945, Nick maintained his outgoing personality throughout his life, always being the friendly, funny and a well-loved member of any gathering or party. Known for his greeting of “Hey, how’s it going?” followed by “Would you like a beer or something?”, Nick was always the first to make a stranger feel welcome and an old friend feel cherished.
Nick was only 17 years old when he lost his father and shortly after graduating from Tenney High School in Methuen, MA in 1963, enlisted in the Navy and served two tours in Vietnam. After active duty, Nick returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Janice (Perry) Nicholson. He remained a devoted, loving husband and father for almost 60 years.
Nick retired at the early age of 58 after a 40 year career as a lineman with National Grid (formally Mass Electric). He and Jan spent the next 20 years traveling to new places with family and friends. He loved going on vacations and cruises, wintering in Florida, playing golf with “the Boys” and the annual hunting trip.
His happiest times were spent with his family at the beach. As a young boy, Nick summered in “The Greenlands” in Hampton, NH, at “Nana Camp”. Which is now a third generation Nicholson family seasonal cottage that was built by his father in 1951 and named after his mother, who resided in the cottage until she was 101 years old.
Nick is predeceased by his father, Frank Nicholson who died on the same day, May 3rd, sixty years earlier; his mother, Katherine Nicholson; his older brother, Kenneth Nicholson and his surviving wife, Adele Nicholson. Nick is survived by his wife, Janice Nicholson; his daughter, Tracey Nicholson Doiron and husband, Kurt Doiron; daughter Tricia Nicholson and partner, Ricky Bastarache; as well as his younger brother, Ronald Nicholson and his wife, Charlene Nicholson; and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Perry and his wife, Shirley Perry. Nick also leaves behind his “Thirsty Thursday” friends Biffy and Jimmy; and his best friend of over 70 years, “Uncle” Al.
Relatives and guest are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1:00-6:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. At the request of the family, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Nick’s favorite charities, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nicholson Family.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?