PAUL "JOCKO" NICKOLAS

Paul Nickolaus  "Jocko" (Age 78)  
On Thursday, August 16, 2018, Paul Nickolaus, passed away following a fall and a short hospitalization. A resident of Silver Spring, MD, he was a fiercely devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal family member, friend, and mentor. The last few years of his life were spent caring for his wife, Mary Margaret, as she dealt with Alzheimer's disease.Born and raised in North Arlington, NJ, he graduated from Queen of Peace High School before becoming the first in his family to attend college enrolling at the Catholic University of America. It was at CUA that he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Collins, and acquired his nickname, "Jocko", both of which remained with him for the rest of his life.Following graduation with a degree in civil engineering, he earned his P.E., and worked for several DC-area engineering firms before co-founding AMN Engineering and Columbia Engineering.Jocko was active in the Knights of Columbus Council #2809 where he was a Past Grand Knight and participated in bowling and softball leagues, enjoying the company of good friends and family.Jocko is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Mary Margaret, his son, Mike, daughter-in-law Tracy and two grandsons, Peter and Joe, of Milwaukee, and daughter, Sue and son-in-law, Steve Felter of Silver Spring. He also enjoyed the company and love of an extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.A viewing will be held at Collins Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. (500 University Blvd. West Silver Spring, MD 20901 Valet Parking). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 11600 Kemp Mill Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20902 at 11 a.m. followed by his interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealz.org).www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com