Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Joseph Atkins Nickerson Jr.
Joseph Atkins Nickerson Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Joseph Nickerson Obituary
Joe Nickerson, a retired builder and prominent local historian, died of cancer, on Nov. 23, 2007. He was 89.
Born in 1918, he lived in North Chatham all of his life, except for his tour of duty with the Navy during World War II.
He was an original member of the Chatham Town Band, playing clarinet with the band in concerts and parades for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the popular dance band "The Nik Nax" in the 1930s and 1940s, later reunited as "The Dreamers" in the 1980s.
His Chatham community service included volunteer fireman, the High School Building Committee, founding member of the Conservation Foundation, cemetery commissioner, past president of the Historical Society, curator of the Atwood House Museum, and town historian.
His interests included local history, antiques, birding, gardening, sports, and photography. He was active in the Nickerson Family Association, the Boston Glass Club (past president), and the Retired Men's Club.
He was predeceased by his first wife, A. Louise (Wentworth) Nickerson, and grandson Calley Grant Nickerson. He is survived by loving wife, Geraldine (Douglass) Nickerson; brother, Philip Griffin Nickerson (Joyce); seven children, Joe Nickerson III (Suzy), Kenney Nickerson (Dinah), Steve Nickerson (Kim), Donna Drown (Wes), Bob Nickerson, Wendy Nickerson, and Peter Nickerson (Carol); 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, 16 Cross St., Chatham. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Chatham Historical Society in honor of the Joseph Atkins Nickerson Jr. Portrait Gallery, the Chatham Conservation Foundation, or the Nickerson Family Association.
Nickerson Funeral Home
508-945-1166
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Tuttle
November 29, 2007
To Joe Nick's family, Joe was a wonderful man and a true cape codder, our deepest sympathy to the family.
Ron Nickerson
November 28, 2007
As a "wash-a-shore" Nickerson, I truly appreciated Joe Nickerson's friendship. Several years ago we were just acquaintances at the Atwood House. More recently we became friends. I had a lot of questions and Joe, the walking encyclopedia, had all the answers and was willing even eager to share his information. His generosity, which I experienced many times, was legendary. Last year I asked Joe where Champlain really landed when he visited Chatham in 1606. Joe drove me to the very spot. We joked at the Atwood Sunday lecture that Joe was the only person still alive who met Champlain when he stepped off the boat! This year Joe helped us find the original homestead site of William Nickerson, the founder of Chatham. Three months ago at the Nickerson Family Association Reunion we recognized the original group, who ten years ago, made the Nickerson Genealogical Research Center happen. Joe stood front and center with this small group. As an advisor, colleague and friend, Joe will be sorely missed.
George Goodspeed, Jr.
November 28, 2007
To the family of Joe Nickerson.
Joe and our dad were great friends, between the Band and the Fire Department, and building flat bottom skiffs. We will miss him.
George
Jay Schofield
November 28, 2007
Although I didn't know Joe Nickerson, I have known his son, Joe, for a long time. Knowing young Joe as I do, I suspect his father was a wonderful addition to our planet and will surely be missed. Fathers are hard to replace but can serve as our teachers for years to come.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
November 28, 2007
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
Richard Ryder
November 27, 2007
Joe Nick was the epitome of a Chatham native. He had the speech of an East Anglian from England, and the sense to talk of today. I will never forget his kindnesses to me in preparing my book about Old Harbor Station. He had a quick wit that I totally appreciated. "Yas yas", he'd say. What a treasure we have lost. I think he might have coined the phrase "wash ashore".
Nancy Ryder Petrus
November 27, 2007
As a teenager, I babysat for Joe's children, while he and Louise went off on Saturday nights and Joe played in the band. It was a positive experience and Joe was always kind to me. In later yaars, he was fortunate to meet his second wife who gave him many years of happiness. My condolences to all the family. The town of Chatham is mourning, as well.
Jocelyn Lawton
November 27, 2007
I met Joe during the many years I worked at Monomoy Pharmacy. He was a great influence to me in exploring my Nickerson roots. My heartfelt condolences to all the family on the loss of this good man.
Paul & Diana Lapham
November 27, 2007
Our sympathy to all the family.
Joe was such a loving, kind man; as a child I have great memories when he would visit my grandparents to spend time with Louise. He will not only be missed by family and friends, the Town of Chatham has lost a great historian.
Benjamin Nickerson
November 27, 2007
To Joe's family we extend our sincere sympathy and condolences. Marilyn still talks about Joe ringing the cow bell when he called the office for service. He will be missed by many. He was a wonderful man.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
87 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Make a Donation
in Joseph Nickerson's name
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Nickerson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
