Robert Edward Nicholas Jr.

Robert Edward Nicholas, Jr., "Nick" or "Nicademus" as he was affectionately called by his friends, was born on October 3, 1941 in Mountainside Hospital, Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the son of the late Robert and Leanora Nicholas. He resided in the Township of Montclair. Orphaned at an early age, he was raised by his aunt, Elsie Nicholas with her children. Nick attended the Montclair Public School System. During his junior and senior high school years, he was an outstanding track star and set many school records. He was also on the Football team, and played in the Drum and Bugle Corps. It was during that time that he met his childhood sweetheart, Katherine "Pie" Malone. At the age of seventeen, Nick joined the United States Navy and served his country for eight years, four in active duty and four in the reserves. During his tour of duty, he went to Italy, Spain, Greece and Cuba to name a few, including ports in the United States. In his first year in the Navy, he married Katherine. To this union five children were born: Tonya, who is deceased, Edward, Dorothy, Shonda and Robert. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Nick worked for several companies: Pine Brook Salvage, Egan's Garbage Collectors, Kline Department Store, and Saint Vincent's Hospital. He was also a Substitute Bus Driver for Head Start. In 1967, he began working for Essex County Overbrook Hospital in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He gave thirty-four years of dedicated service to the hospital center, initially as a Laundry Man, and later transferred to the transportation department as a Driver. He was ultimately promoted to Transportation Supervisor; he held this position until his retirement in June 2001. Nick loved sports and always supported all of his family's sports activities such as track and field, softball, football and basketball. For a while, he coached the Red Caps Women's Softball Team. In his early days, he played Softball with the Green Caps, and Touch Football with the Willow Raiders and the DLV Raiders. In 1985, Nick was initiated into the Prince Hall Masons and became a member of Samson Lodge #66. In 1987, he was initiated into the Shriner's Galconda Temple #24 Desert of Newark and joined the James L. Robinson Shrine Club. In addition, Nick also belonged to the Shooters Club, where he served as President, and was a member of the Astro Club, both of Montclair. He was a former member of the Montclair Grass Roots Association. On Thursday, August 29, 2013, God knew that Nick was tired and took him safely home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 years, Katherine Nicholas; five children: Edward, Robert Lamont and Shonda Nicholas, Dorothy Nicholas-Ramos and Toni Williamson; sister, Marsha Nicholas-Walker; brother, Richard Nicholas, four grandchildren, Na-Tasha Cunningham, Nicholas Burk, Robert L. Nicholas, Jr, Kaliah and Kyannah Williamson; two great-grandchildren: Jayden Cunningham and Janell Burke; two daughters-in-law, Lisa(Sue) Brockenbaugh - Nicholas and Iris Ramos; three godchildren: Maya, Myles and Malia Nicholson; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Robert Edward Nicholas, Jr. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.