Mark Allan Nicol

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mark Allan Nicol, 91, of Vienna, Virginia. He passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2026, following a brief hospitalization. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Born on September 16, 1934, to John and Marjorie (Brown) Nicol, Mark grew up in the small town of Warren, New Hampshire. He was the oldest of three sons. Mark was always busy and learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young man he was employed by the Warren Public Library, worked in his father's general store, and at the beloved Morse Museum. Mark had fond memories of riding the train daily from Warren to Plymouth, NH to attend Plymouth High School, graduating with the Class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). On campus he was a very active member of Phi Delta Upsilon (PhiDU) fraternity, and participated in the ROTC program. He graduated from UNH with a degree in Business Administration in 1956.

Upon graduation, Mark served in the US Army at Fort Bliss, Texas from 1956 to 1957. He was a First Lieutenant, trained in the Nike Missile program. Following active military service, he was in the Army Reserves for several years.

After leaving the military, Mark began his career in the Marketing Department of Mobil Oil Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts. He steadily rose through the ranks, relocating to New York City, Chicago, and back to New York, and finally to the new headquarters in Fairfax VA in 1980. In 1987 he took on global responsibilities with Mobil International, before retiring in 1992. During his career, Mark traveled extensively, including throughout Europe, the Far East, Middle East, and South America. A highlight of his career was serving for several years as President of a trade association promoting the use of electronic funds transfers (EFTs). As a result of Mark's efforts, Mobil Oil was a leader in "pay at the pump" technology.

Following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps, Mark joined the Moosehillock Masonic Lodge No. 63 in Warren, NH, at the age of 21. He was a member for 70 years.

In May of 1960, Mark married his beloved wife, Shirley Matson, also of Warren, NH and they enjoyed 65 wonderful years of marriage. They truly were a team throughout their life together. Mark and Shirley raised four children, and in retirement continued their interest in travel by visiting countries around the world together. They enjoyed going on many ocean voyages, and especially Viking River Cruises. They also loved spending time at Treasure Beach in Fenwick Island, Delaware as a family gathering place. His favorite activities there were driving his pontoon boat on the bay and eating a pile of steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. For about 25 years he and Shirley spent their winter months in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, where he was lovingly called "the mayor of Megan's Bay", and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he loved to listen to Mariachi music and drink Margaritas. Mark and Shirley enjoyed skiing until later in life,

making annual visits to New Hampshire, often sharing the slopes with some of their children and grandchildren.

Mark never complained about anything. If there was a problem, he would work until it was fixed. He had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and loved to tell entertaining stories. Mark loved to dance, everything from waltz to square dancing. He was affectionately known as Pop-Pop by his grandchildren. Ask any one of them about his "Pop-Pop dance".

Mark was a loyal sports fan. He followed the Washington Nationals (Nats), the Capitals (Caps), and the Redskins/Commanders through thick and thin. He and Shirley enjoyed season tickets to the Capitals and Redskins for many years. He would say the best part was the tailgating before the game!

He was active in the community and was always among the first to help where needed. He loved outdoor activities and camping. Mark was Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #1970 in Reston, VA, serving well after his son became an Eagle Scout.

Over the years he and Shirley were active members at their church wherever they lived. Mark was well known for making wonderful blue spruce Christmas wreaths, and beautiful wooden crafts for the annual Christmas Bazaar at Epiphany United Methodist Church in Vienna, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and his brother Berkley Nicol of Piermont, NH. Surviving are his wife Shirley Nicol, Vienna, VA; daughter Linda (Jay) Shannon, Landisville, PA; daughter Nancy (James) Penn, Bristow, VA; son William (Jennifer) Nicol, Winchester, VA; and daughter Barbara (Tom) De La Cruz, Reston, VA; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Larry and sister-in-law Carol Nicol, Warren, NH; sister-in-law Shirley (Berkley) Nicol, Piermont, NH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service at 2:00 PM on April 25, 2026, immediately followed by visitation time, at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W., Vienna, VA.

A Celebration of Life, and a Masonic Service are being planned for this summer in Warren, NH, with inurnment to follow in the Warren Community Cemetery. Notice of date and time will be announced in New Hampshire local newspapers.

The family asks that In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice, in Mark's memory.