Donald T. Nickelson

Donald "Don" T. Nickelson, of Rockland, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at the age of 74. He was the beloved husband of Patricia "Patty" (Ryan) Nickelson of Rockland and formerly of Waltham.

Born on May 2, 1951, Don was the loving son of the late Robert and Mildred (Gallop) Nickelson. He graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham High School in 1969 and proudly served in the National Guard for eight years. He went on to enjoy a fulfilling career as a computer programmer, working for several universities throughout his life.

Don met the love of his life, Patty, at Brandeis University twenty years ago, and together they shared sixteen years of devoted marriage.

He was the cherished father of Jennifer Burke and her husband David of Weymouth, and Rebecca Ponte and her husband Chris of Vermont. Don was the dear brother of Robert Nickelson, Jr. and his wife Jeannie of Virginia, and the late Kendall Nickelson and his wife Linda of Westport. He is also remembered lovingly by his in-laws, including John Ryan and his wife Janet of Florida, and the late Cheryl Keady.

Among Don's greatest joys was being "Grampa" to his grandchildren-Samantha and Matthew Burke and Mason Ponte-who brought him immense pride and happiness. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Keith and Ryan Nickelson, Holli Caddy, Allison Haddadin, Michael Ryan and Ryan Keady.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Sullivan Funeral Homes, 45 East Water Street, Rockland, followed by a funeral home service at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to 110 Fitness https://110fitness.org/, whose founder Brett and his team are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease.