Thomas M McNicholas

Thomas Martin McNicholas, of Rockville Centre and Breezy Point, New York, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was a true gentleman, charitable, humble, thoughtful and, above all, kind. He uplifted others with his ability to be present and listen; he made you feel you were the only person in the world when you spoke with him. He led by quiet example and emanated goodness and kindness to all who met him.

Tom was born on February 7, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Martin and Annie Kate (née Mulderrig) McNicholas. He attended St. John's University at night and graduated with a BA in History. He worked in various sales roles before beginning a decades-long career in court administration, ultimately serving as Deputy Chief Administrator, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Term.

Tom met his wife Ronnie (née Veronica Clark) on the beach at Riis Park when he rescued her from a prankster chasing her with a dead fish, the first of countless acts of chivalry. It was the one and only time that either of them had ever gone to that beach, and it launched a courtship that led to their 60-year marriage. Tom and Ronnie were inseparable, and their playful love and devotion was an inspiration. Tom was the most kind and loving father of Rosemary and Michael (Ryan), Kerinne and Tom (Tollefsen), Tommy and Denice (née Accomando) McNicholas, and cherished brother of Martina (Tom) Costello.

Tom was the beloved son-in-law of the late George and Veronica Clark and brother-in-law to the late George and Liz Clark and Rosemary Clark Nolan. He adored his nieces and nephews, cousins, and his great friends of many years who were considered family.

Faith and family were everything to Tom. A devout Catholic, he had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother through the Miraculous Medal, attending mass every day each May in her honor. When a parishioner at St. Agnes, Tom was part of the Eucharistic Adoration Society, a volunteer for the Bishop's Annual Appeal, and a CYO basketball coach for many years (even before his children were old enough to play). He was an active member of the South Side Booster Club for many years. Tom was a talented basketball player and had a true love for the game, evidenced by playing in RVC's over-40 league into his late seventies (sometimes against his son Tommy!).

Above all, Tom treasured Ronnie and his grandchildren, his 11 Jewels. He was Papa to Thomas, Cormac, Alexandra, Owen, Thomas James (TJ), Katelyn, Summer, Nicholas, Ryan, Rosemary and Starling. Papa never missed a game or concert, proudly supporting and encouraging his grandchildren by wearing their high school or college gear, from his hat and T-shirt down to his socks. Papa was always generous in demonstrating his love, with a hug, fist bump, words of encouragement or a simple "You look good for yourself" or "I love you."

He loved us well.

In Lieu of flowers friends can make donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation & St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In Thomas name.