John Richard “Nicko” Nicholson
- On June 8, 2017
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John Richard “Nicko” Nicholson was a lover of life. He was a lover of all things boat, lake and water skiing related. He was a lover of all things mountain, winter and snow skiing related. He was a lover of model airplanes, real airplanes and all things winged. He was happiest when his feet were either in the water or in the air. He was also a lover of travel, beaches, Steelers football, volleyball, animals, motorcycles, cheesy jokes, great music, spicy food, building things, hot tubs, back rubs, good times and good vibes. He was not such a great lover of books, but he lived out his own adventure and love story every single day.
Most of all, Nicko was a lover of people. He loved his family so much, he built a log house with his bare hands for them to live in. He loved his wife so much, he learned how to keep honeybees just because she wanted to. He loved his daughters so much, he fixed nearly everything they ever broke and helped them move from dorm to apartment to house time after time until they both finally settled down. He loved his 17 nieces and nephews so much, he taught almost every single one of them how to water ski. He loved his friends so much, he would do anything for them.
Born on October 24, 1952, Nicko left this world on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the age of 64 at his home in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family. When his father, Clyde Nicholson, died in 1966, Nicko became the man of the house at age 13 for his mother, the late Sarah Jane Van Osterom, and his younger siblings, James “Bing” Nicholson, Linda Levy and the late Patricia Brown. When his mother remarried, he became a beloved son of the late J. George Van Osterom and an amazing brother to Joyce Chamberlain and George Van Osterom. He was the greatest man in the world to his daughters, Emily Nicholson and Jessica Higgins, and he set the bar high for his sons-in-law, Adam Ratana and Jeff Higgins. He was the best Poppy ever to his grandchildren, Theodora “Tilly” Ratana and Henry “Hank” Higgins. He was a loving guardian of his dog, Woody, and his cat, Zooky, and of his many animals who predeceased him, especially Chas and Roach. He was the soulmate and best friend of his wife of 40 years, Kathryn “Kate” Nicholson. He is survived by literally hundreds of friends and relatives who will smile every time they think of him.
Anyone who had the great privilege of knowing Nicko is welcome Sunday, June 11, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Joseph M. Somma Funeral Home, 5405 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15244. A memorial service will be held at Oakdale United Presbyterian Church, 62 Hastings Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071, on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a joyous celebration of Nicko’s unbelievable life at the North Fayette Community Center, 580 Donaldson Road, Oakdale, PA 15071.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (www.nodogleftbehind.org), a charity that combines two of Nicko’s greatest loves, animals and airplanes.
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