Richard Nicholson

Richard James Nicholson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriot, passed away July 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family in Atlanta, Georgia. "Pop", as he was known to his two grandsons, Tim and Graham, and "Dick" as he was known to both his friends and his adoring spouse of more than 55 years, Jackie, was a man of many passions and principles.

First and foremost, Dick Nicholson was a family man. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the midst of World War II as the son of Army veteran Leonard and Frances, Dick grew up admiring our military, learning the value of hard work and appreciating the value of family. Joining the Army National Guard in 1963 was among the early aspirations of his life, culminating in service in the Honor Guard at Temple University. Then, in 1964, he met the former Jacqueline Linda Zahn while they both worked at Gimbel's Department Store, and later married her May 24, 1964. Jackie gave Dick the direction and motivation he was apparently lacking to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Temple. He often stated, "I never made an A until I met your mother." Armed with his degree, Dick had a long and prosperous career of more than 40 years as a marketing and sales executive in the container industry, most notably in "plastics" (as inspired by the advice Dustin Hoffman received in "The Graduate"… note: Mr. Hoffman and Dick actually met at the US Capitol in 2016 and exchanged recollections!).

In 1970, Dick and Jackie gave birth to their first child, Margie, in Baltimore, Maryland. Four years later, they had their second child, Ben, also in Baltimore. For Dick, his two children were his priority. He never missed Margie's many high school tennis matches and was a constant presence in the stands during Ben's basketball games. Supportive, yet demanding, Dick raised his two children to put family first, always respect the military, that life is more fun when lived with enthusiasm, and a "good job" is expected. The family trips to the beach were perhaps only surpassed by the more daily enjoyment of movies and sporting events… or any event that the family could huddle around.

Dick was a man of simple, yet undeniable passions. Throughout his life, Dick was a voracious reader, having read every single book about the military ever written in the history of mankind (or at least, almost every book). This acquired knowledge was a source of constant conversation at family gatherings, whether the family wanted to hear it or not. Dick was also an accomplished sailor, having served as a tactician aboard the MSS Glider that navigated the Chesapeake Bay, and later as the captain of his own sailboat, the FSS Sundancer along the waters of Florida's Intercoastal Waterway. Dick was also a talented tennis player and gifted photographer.

Above all, Dick was "an enthusiast", which was manifest in his "retirement jobs" as a tour guide for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the United States Capitol Visitors Center, and the Atlanta Braves Baseball Stadium. He found joy in connecting with parents and fans while watching his grandsons play lacrosse and baseball. He found joy in connecting with his closest friends: Chuck, David, Ken, Larry, Mel, Tom, Vince, Wayne, and "Little Red." And, he found joy in walking and playing with his various pets! But, most of all, Dick Nicholson found joy in his family… nothing was more important, nothing mattered more. His legacy lives on in the adoring family members he is survived by, including son-in-law John Driscoll, daughter-in-law Anna Nicholson, cousin Robert Angler and family, and Nicholson cousins. He will be forever remembered for his loyalty and devotion to them.

As requested, Dick's remains will be scattered in his beloved Chesapeake Bay (please do not tell the United States Coast Guard). In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in his name to the United States Coast Guard Foundation (coastguardfoundation.org) or visits can of course be made to the shores of the Chesapeake.