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BORN

1941

DIED

2018

Robert Nichael Obituary

Robert Nichael

Virginia Beach - Robert Harold Nichael, 76, died suddenly on Monday, February 26, in Newark, NJ, following a vacation to Athens, Greece. Bob was born in Pottsville, PA in 1941. He was a 1964 graduate of the Naval Academy. After 20 years of service as a Supply Officer, Bob retired in 1984 as a Commander. After his naval career he worked for TCI and Unisys. Bob was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. He was fondly known by friends as "Captain Gadget" because of his love of the latest technological devices.

Bob was predeceased by his High School Sweetheart, Diane Sirko, whom he married 3 days after graduation and by his parents Harold Michael Nichael and Sophie Mickey Nichael of Minersville, PA. Bob felt extremely fortunate to be raised in Minersville, surrounded by a huge family of loving aunts, uncles and cousins immersed with Polish food and traditions.

He is survived by his wife Marrian Miner Nichael whom he met at CUMC at the annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. They were married on St. Patrick's Day 2001 and spent the following 17 years enjoying their joint passion for travel. He is also survived by his children Stephen Harold Nichael, Nancy Diane Nichael and grandson Dalton Robert Nichael and step-daughter Sarah Miner Hayhurst Peet(Andy). He is also survived by his sister Dolores Mazur, and nieces Holly Norstrand (Leif) and Jo Ann Monteith.

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 4 at 2 PM at Community United Methodist Church located at 1072 Old Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA. Internment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the USO to honor Bob's love of the Navy and of travel.



View the online memorial for Robert Robert

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Mar. 2, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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I recall that Robert was quite proficient at getting military space available flights for the many trips that he and Marrian took during their years together.

Lincoln H Mueller, CDR USN Ret.

Friend

February 24, 2023

We still hold fond memories of Bob. We continue our friendship with his wife Marrian at our periodic domino games with her and other friends.

Linc and Holly Mueller

Friend

February 24, 2022

We shared some fun times with Bob and Marian. We will miss him and continue to enjoy Marian's company.

Lincoln & Holly Mueller

February 25, 2020

My memories of Bob go back to the early 1950's, when he and Jack took me to a little league baseball game in Minersville. Over the years, I visited with Bob and his family in Newport News and Virginia Beach. Bob was a constant source of motivation and information that helped me with my engineering degree and 37 year career with the Department of the Navy. Bob was a techie, long before anyone ever heard of the word. Bob spent many hours on the phone with me, discussing everything from sound and computer systems, to the supply and contracting associated with the Navy. Most recently we discussed the passing of our cousin Jack and the Philadelphia Eagles finally winning a Super Bowl. Rest in peace my good friend and say hello to my Mom and Dad and the rest of the gang up there.

Vincent Rayesky

Family

April 23, 2018

Robert Nichael

Virginia Beach - Robert Harold Nichael, 76, died suddenly on Monday, February 26, in Newark, NJ, following a vacation to Athens, Greece. Bob was born in Pottsville, PA in 1941. He was a 1964 graduate of the Naval Academy. After 20 years of service as a Supply Officer, Bob retired in 1984 as a Commander. After his naval career he worked for TCI and Unisys. Bob was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. He was fondly known by friends as "Captain Gadget" because of his love of the latest technological devices.

Bob was predeceased by his High School Sweetheart, Diane Sirko, whom he married 3 days after graduation and by his parents Harold Michael Nichael and Sophie Mickey Nichael of Minersville, PA. Bob felt extremely fortunate to be raised in Minersville, surrounded by a huge family of loving aunts, uncles and cousins immersed with Polish food and traditions.

He is survived by his wife Marrian Miner Nichael whom he met at CUMC at the annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. They were married on St. Patrick's Day 2001 and spent the following 17 years enjoying their joint passion for travel. He is also survived by his children Stephen Harold Nichael, Nancy Diane Nichael and grandson Dalton Robert Nichael and step-daughter Sarah Miner Hayhurst Peet(Andy). He is also survived by his sister Dolores Mazur, and nieces Holly Norstrand (Leif) and Jo Ann Monteith.

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 4 at 2 PM at Community United Methodist Church located at 1072 Old Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA. Internment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the USO to honor Bob's love of the Navy and of travel.

Vincent Rayesky

Family

April 23, 2018

Bobby was a great person and someone who took great pride in his Schuylkill Cty roots, always returning home for any major family event, whether it be a wedding, a special birthday celebration or in sadness for a family members funeral. He loved Polish Day as well. I'm glad I was able to spend some time with him this past year at that event enjoying great polish day food and having great conversation. A classy & super nice guy that will be missed. Thoughts, prayers & much love to Mariann and all family members on his passing.

Ed Miciolek

March 7, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

March 4, 2018

Prayers and condolences to the family of a wonderful smart man. Bob touched so many lives with kindness and respect. I personally owe my IT career of 30 plus years directly to his willingness to take a chance on a young kid. With the help of Bob's team of TCIers I made it...

Thank you Bob and farewell shipmate you will be missed!!!

Darryl Rochester

Darryl Rochester

March 4, 2018

Dear Aunt Marrian,
I am so sorry to hear that Uncle Robert passed away. My heart goes out to u and all of the family. I will pray you have the strength to find yourself strong at this very sad time in your life. I know I will have an empty hole in my heart. I know I did not know all of you very long but he was my HERO. And will always treasure the short time I had with him. Love and prayers to all.

JoAnn

JoAnn Monteith

March 3, 2018

A shocking, terrible loss. My heart goes out to the family.
In God's Love,
Wendy Walker
(TCI Co-worker)

Wendy Walker

March 3, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. I am so happy that you found true love and knowing your memories will be good ones.

March 3, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. I am so happy that you found true love and knowing your memories will be good ones.

March 3, 2018

Dear Marrian, We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Please know we are praying for strength for you and the whole family at this very difficult time.
God's peace,
Loretta and Art Mann

March 3, 2018

Hi Marrian, Holly and send our heartfelt condolences. We will miss Bob's funeral doing what you and Bob loved doing, traveling. We are traveling up to Annapolis tomorrow to visit my grandson who is finishing his last year at the Naval Academy. I miss our days together doing Master Gardner things. Holly and I hope to see you in the future. Best wishes, Link & Holly Mueller

Lincoln Mueller

March 2, 2018

I am so glad that Marrian and. Bob were able to share thewonderful life they made possible for each other. They worshipped each other and were extremely happy. Bob was a very unique, special person and will be greatly missed!

Suzanne Pugh

March 2, 2018

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Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Community United Methodist Church

1072 Old Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA

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