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John McNicholas Obituary

(Asbury Park Press)

JOHN P. MCNICHOLAS
AGE: 48
WHOSE PARENTS LIVE IN JACKSON
John P. McNicholas, 48, of New York City, N.Y., died Thursday, April 2, 2009, at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York City. Mr. McNicholas was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and had lived in Manhattan, N.Y. for the past 20 years. Mr. McNicholas received his BA from St. John's University in 1982. He received his M.A. and his J.D. from St. John's University, School of Law, in 1985 and 1993 respectively. He was a member of the New York Bar. Mr. McNicholas was a founding member, supervisory editor and author in the American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review. He was the co-founder of the American Bankruptcy Institute's National Memorial Chief Conrad B. Duberstein Moot Court Competition on Bankruptcy Law. He has written numerous papers on Bankruptcy Law for several prestigious law journals. Mr. McNicholas of Counsel with DLA Piper US LLP, New York City, for the past 10 years. In addition to his bankruptcy and insolvency practice, he was also an adjunct professor of law at St. John's University School of Law, both in the J.D. Program and the Bankruptcy L.L.M. Program. Mr. McNicholas participated as a lecturer and moderator for a host of continuing legal education programs on bankruptcy law.
He is survived by his parents, Jane and John P. McNicholas Sr. of Jackson; a sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Gene Bianco of Freehold Township; and two nephews, Gene and Jonathan Bianco of Freehold Township..
Visiting hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 5 at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10 a.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, April 6 at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold Township. For directions, information, or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press on Apr. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John McNicholas

Sponsored by C. Jagde, forever grateful friend of McNick.

Not sure what to say?





Steven Weitzen

June 10, 2015

I am very sorry to say that I just found out about John's death today. We had lost touch. However, my memories of him were of a smart, nice and very funny guy. We worked together at Morrison Cohen in the late 1990s. May his memory be a blessing and comfort to all who knew him.

Mary Quinlivan-Tomes

September 29, 2013

Still think of John so often...his presence in our lives is real, and palpable...what a gift his life (and his LOVE OF LIFE!!) were to all who knew and loved him...

October 13, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 1, 2012

Mr. McNicholas and Cathy- I want you to know that we often think of John so very fondly...and all his fun, laughter, and just plain old joie de vive..he was SO very inimitable in that regard..I will always treasure his memory as one of my very best St John's friends...he was the absolute best and we miss him greatly, but he wil ALWAYS be the one and only "McNick.." no one could match his wit, intelligence, and love of life, and that is an eternal credit to YOU!! Mary Quinlivan-Tomes

terri

January 23, 2011

John....I know you are cheering from the heavens for those NEW YORK JETS...which you loved so much....you are so missed!!!!

Trish and David Bromann

January 12, 2011

There are no words to describe how sorry we are for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are praying that God gives you the strength to get through this. Know that we love you very much and are here for you if you need anything. With Deepest Sympathy,

May 13, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg5UyCK_gr0
found this wonderful tribute from one of John's best friends..loved it so much that I wanted to share it..forever in our memories he lives on..

January 11, 2010

Dear Mr & Mrs. McNicholas,
I still think of my dear friend John on many occasions, and of you two as well. John, I know for sure, would want you both to know that he lived an absolutely WONDERFUL life...and he lived it on his terms, with so much joy and passion. He crammed SO MUCH into just 49 years...much more than many people who have lived twice that long will ever experience!! I want you to know, as I said at the wake and memorial serice, that if you ever need ANYTHING, please let me know. John, I know for a fact, would have done the same for me, or any of his close friends. That is simply who he was, and all of us will carry him with us forever....May God Give you both comfort and strength. With Love, Mary Quinlivan-Tomes email [email protected] or phone 718-966-1724

James Gedeon

October 25, 2009

Dear McNicholas Family,
I worked with John at St. John's from 1989 until he finised his law studies in '93. We stayed in touch until a few years ago and it was always a pleasure speaking with him when we'd catch up. I can't tell you how saddened I am to hear of your loss. John was truly a good friend who never failed to make those around him appreciate his sense of humor. I have very fond memories of John and take comfort in knowing that he is at peace now. Again, my sincere condolences.

Mitchell Cohen

August 17, 2009

To the McNicholas Family:

I was a classmate of John's in the Law School's 1993 evening class. I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn only today (8/17/09) of his passing. Although I was not a close friend of John's, I recall a number of animated chats I had with him in the cafeteria before the evening classes began. He appeared to be so focused on the direction of his legal career; I had no doubt that he would succeed. I cannot begin to imagine the anguish you are going through. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Fred Rosner

June 29, 2009

To the McNicholas Family:
John was a wonderful person and a very fine lawyer. He had a great energy and passion for whatever challenge lay before him. He touched a lot of lives, and it was my privilege to know him. I will miss him, and think of him often.

My deepest condolences.

Anne McCafferty

June 18, 2009

McNicholas Family,

I was so shocked when I emailed John at work yesterday to ask him for a tip on the last race at the Royal Ascot horseraces (I knew he loved the horses)as I was waiting for him to call me and say "Annie, give me the stats", I instead received the bad news.
John absolutely was and will probably always be the love of my life. I am so glad I talked him over the years and just spoke to him in January where he shared some of the recent family hardships and we laughed how we both never married!
I know how hard this must be for you all as he was an outstanding son and brother...and as is well documented friend. I am so sad I missed his services but I am living in London now and was unaware of his passing.
My condolences to all his family and friends and he will always remain a very special person in my life.

My Favorite Junior Prom Date..with Much Love and Sympathy....Barbara Maiocco Kreshak xoxoxox

June 1, 2009

Sylvia Winrich

April 14, 2009

McNicholas Family,

I am a friend of John's for many years. We met at a wonderful little Spanish restaurant in the neighborhood of where we both live and work. We share many of laughs, sorrows, great friends and stories over the years. I became used to seeing his beautiful smile, glasses on or on top of his head, his two phones on the bar and his appetite for good food and drink. He touched so many people, and his passing will leave a huge void in my life for he was a great friend, loved his family and work. No matter what he was going through he remain always positive. My sincerest condolences.

Lisa O'Shea

April 11, 2009

I am so shocked to learn of John's passing, just now. What a great guy he truly was. I've known him for many years through the Bankruptcy Court and first met him when he represented Lorraine Bracco. I loved his colourful personality, his infectious laugh. I am so sad to hear that he's gone. He is in God's hands now, looking down on all of us. God Bless his family. I just wish I had that Christmas drink with him in '08.

L.O.

April 9, 2009

You know I still have that letter I wrote to the judge that you corrected; it’s dated December 16, 2005. I also have the article you wrote on Chapter 9 bankruptcies and “autographed” for me (you think it’s worth more now?). John, I’m really going to miss you. You were such a wonderful mentor to me, when you didn’t even have to be a mentor. You could have just told me to file and serve pleadings, but you took me to court, showed me how to research… You would close the door to your office and tell me what was really going on in the case… You actually asked my advice on something you wrote in a motion (!!!). And in return, I didn’t even get a chance to show you how to copy and paste. What a cruel world. I am so grateful for having known you. Sincerely yours, “L.O.”

Nilsa Rodriguez

April 9, 2009

McNicholas Family,

I assisted John many years ago at Windes Marx. When we worked together, I respected his practice tremendously. Yes, he did worry consistently but I think that went hand in hand with being on top of his game, which he was, all the time.

May god rest his spirit. I wish peace for his family and friends.

Maria Vitale-Rullo

April 8, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the McNicholas family. I worked with John at Windels Marx in the Bankruptcy Department. My nickname for him was "nervous Nelly". John worried about everything and I would assure him that things would be OK. I also was his seamstress sewing a button on his jacket or shirt. One day John called me into his office and asked if I could sew a button on his pants. He handed them over to me while sitting behind his desk. We had a good laugh over that one. Well John, I hope you found a good seamstress to keep your wings attached, especially when you see a pretty angel fly by. May you rest in peace and may your family find solace in knowing how many lives you have touched with your infectious smile and personality.

Tom Greer

April 8, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family of John. He was a special person,friend and Great Brother in the Fraternity. he will be missed by all who knew him. Tom Greer FPC 82 BEP

Carollynn Callari

April 7, 2009

My sincerest condolences to Mr. & Mrs. McNicholas, and to John's sister Cathy and her family. It was clear to me from meeting you at his wake why John was such a great guy - he has a great family. We met in law school and both practiced bankruptcy in NYC, and we have shared our journey for the last 15 years. John was a great friend, lawyer and person -- a gentleman and gentle man. I hope these last few days (& last couple of years) have enabled you to see the many many lives John touched and that he was loved by many. He brought so many smiles to our faces with his sense of humor and positive attitude. We prayer that God will comfort you during these difficult times, and we thank you for the times we were able to share with your wonderful son who was a blessing to so many of us. McNick, you will be missed my friend.

terri moore

April 7, 2009

McNicholas Family

With my sadness knowing I will never again hear that great "brooklyn accent" again I can take comfort in the privilege of knowing such an amazing human being who brought such joy and laughter to my life. His smile was infectious. When in New York John's excitement to plan some new adventure whether to a first time trip to "Fairway" on a busy weekend afternoon or the roller coaster at Coney Island John always knew just the right adventure to plan. The fond memories John gave me will help my heart heal. Heaven welcomed a wonderful angel and I know there is a much brighter star shining. John you are so missed and I thank you for being so wonderful to each of us in your short life..Rest in peace

Bill Coleman

April 7, 2009

It was my pleasure and honor to work for John for several years at DLA Piper. John had that rare ability to give people his complete and undivided attention. When you were talking with him, he was right there with you! He brought a measure of both enjoyment and meaning to my life. We did not have him for long, but I'm glad for the time we had him.

And BTW, I doubt he was fazed much by Death. John probably bought him a beer.

Paulie & Margie Grossberg

April 7, 2009

McNicholas Family,

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for having had the blessing & privilege of knowing & loving John. We loved him & love him with all of our hearts. He took a piece of our hearts with him but all of the memories will live on. A million smiles he brought to our face. We loved his sense of humor, his energy, his loving ways & the "cat that ate the canary" look he always had on his face. Even though our hearts ache, we will do our best to move forward & be happy for the time we had with him & for the fact that he is in a better place, smiling (or smirking) down on the rest of us. All of our love & prayers to you

Scott Stuart

April 7, 2009

One of the greatest honors one can bestow on another is the honor of being one's friend. John was that and much more. I met him when he was a law clerk and grew fond of his candor, honesty and positive outlook on most everything, in an instant. I will miss my friend John but will think fondly of him often.

Carolyn Austin

April 7, 2009

My sincerest condolences to Mr. & Mrs. McNicholas, Cathy and her family, and to everyone John left behind who has to live in a world much less brighter for his passing. I have known John since law school, and am proud to call him my friend. Without fail, John made me laugh. And I mean belly-laugh. He was an amazing person and as his Dad told me at the wake, everytime something nice is done for someone else, think of John and keep him alive. I will do just that and he will never be forgotten. God Bless John's family and John, Rest in Peace my friend.

Kevin McGann

April 7, 2009

You will always be in my prayers

April 7, 2009

We have very fond memories of you John--a lot a great laughs and crazy times in the fraternity, student government and in general. Our prayers go out to your family in this tragic loss. God bless you.

Joe Geraci SPC '80

Doug Mandart

April 6, 2009

Dear Mr. & Mrs. McNicholas, Cathy, Gene, Gene Jr., and Jonathan - I can't begin to tell you all that John meant to me. We had some amazing adventures, along with some of the other guys from Flatbush. I consider myself blessed to have grown up where I did and that I can count John as a friend. Eight years at St. Thomas and four at Xaverian were what cemented the relationships that now are 40 years old. God Bless all of you for the strength and faith you have shown through this. I have no doubt that John is talking to a female angel right now.

Mary Quinlivan-Tomes

April 6, 2009

Dear Mr & Mrs. McNicholas - My heart goes out to you both, and to Cathy and her family as well. Like so many others who knew and loved John, I can recount probably hundreds of stories about times he made us all laugh, virtually lit up a room, or simply made life more fun. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and an absolutely INIMITABLE perspective on life...All these years, he has been a tremendous gift to all of us...truly one of a kind...and we will never forget our dear friend "McNick." I remember working in the cubicle next to him for several years in SJU's Financial Aid Office...listening to his funny jokes and phone calls every day...putting up with his constant teasing...but most of all I remember just simply the joy of being his friend. As you know, John was smart as a whip and had a great way of looking at things and appreciating what was really important. He always looked out for his friends and made the absolute MOST out of every moment. Now we all have many memories, many good times to treasure,...and a terrible void that can never be filled. But I imagine God greeted him with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." You and John are always in the prayers of his many friends and co-workers. If any one of us can be of help to you in ANY way, please do not hesitate to ask. Love, Mary Quinlivan-Tomes ([email protected])

Val Conlon (nee Westhoff)

April 6, 2009

Mr. & Mrs. McNick & Cathy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was a great friend to have during the college years. He was always so much fun and always able to laugh at everything, including himself. I hadn't seen him in years since I moved away, but will always remember his smile.

Keith Warhola

April 6, 2009

God bless you, John.

Keith Warhola
YITB
FPC '78

Bob Murray

April 6, 2009

McNick - I can't think of words that are good enough... You're someone special - and always fun to be around. As a freshman you warmly welcomed me as a friend, co-worker in Student Goverment, and then as a fraternity brother. Thank you. I'll miss you very much. My prayers are with you and you're family.

April 5, 2009

Dear Mr. and Mrs. McNick,
John was such a great, cute guy. He always made me smile. His enthusiam was infectious. Everyone I knew who knew him, loved him. Us too.
Rosemary and Peggy Kelly, Forest Hills, NY

Maryjane Trexler

April 5, 2009

Dear Cathy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know that our Heavenly Father will give you the strength, courage and faith to carry you through this most difficult time. I pray the thought of John who is now with our Heavenly Father, at peace in Heaven, eases the ache in your hearts. God Bless.

Richie & Michele Pagnotta

April 5, 2009

It is with the deepest of sympathy that we express our condolences to you, your family, and friends. This is a great loss for so many who knew you and loved you and all those you were always able to make smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. We shall all take comfort in knowing we now have yet another angel looking over us all from heaven. May God Bless You. We will miss you forever. Rest in the peace, love, and joy of the Lord.

C Jagde

April 5, 2009

Our dear friend "McNick" - - we have been so lucky to have known you and shared so many years of laughter together. You have been a friend and mentor to so many of us along the way. We are going to miss you, but we know that you are safe now in God's hands. Love to your family - they raised someone special and wonderful.

Bernadette Girello

April 4, 2009

This is not easy to say but I know that we now have two guardian angels watching over us from above. May your comfort be that Gold has blessed you with great friends to be with you along this hard road. I love you both.

Vincent DeJoseph

April 4, 2009

My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. You now have a very special guardian angel to watch over you.


Vinny DeJoseph Garden City N.Y. (Beta Epsilon Rho fraternity pledge brother Fall 1978 St. John's University.

Nancy Kastner

April 4, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Regina DiClerico

April 4, 2009

May memories take some of the sadness from your heart and gently replace it with the warmth of shared moments. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God Bless.

Sherry HIggins

April 4, 2009

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will never understand why good people have to face so much pain. We need to not ask why but grow stronger from it. My prayers are with you all at this very tough time. God Bless.

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