Andrew C. Nickas Obituary
Andrew C. Nickas, 88, husband of Catherine (Jarvis) Nickas of Gloucester, MA peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home.
Born in Gloucester as Andrew Charles Nickas on July 23, 1934, the second child of the late Charles and Ourania (Papatheodorou) Nickas. He graduated with the Class of 1953 from Gloucester High School proud to be a co-captain of the football team, an All-Star and a Lieutenant in the ROTC. He then went on to graduate from Norwich University, magna cum laude in 1957. He found great pleasure in the times he spent at the University and often went back for his class reunions. Following his educational accomplishments, he went on to serve in the United States Army from 1957-1959 as a 1st Lt. in South Korea on the DMZ line. To continue to show his love for his country, he went on to be in the Army Reserves and became a Captain. He then spent over thirty years as the Corporate Credit Manager at Gorton's Seafood. Andrew gave a lot of hardworking time to his beloved hometown of Gloucester, always staying involved, beginning with his service on the Gloucester City Council for four years. He was also very dedicated to the role he had on the Board of Directors as Vice President at BankGloucester from 1972-2019. In addition, Andrew proudly served on the Gloucester Housing Authority for over fifty years, up until his passing.
Despite his many commitments, he never failed to show up for his family. He was a role model, a protector, and a leader to all. He learned to love and protect his family through his relationship with his parents. He was proud of their hard work, the things they taught him and the life they gave him. A man of such pride, he took such wholeheartedness in the roles he had. He was honored to look up to his older brother and to protect his younger sister. He was a patient, loving and caring husband and father, always putting his wife and daughter first. He made many memories enjoying summers at his house in Harpswell, Maine, golfing at Bass Rocks but most importantly time spent with family. While the simplest things made him happy, he took great seriousness in following politics and the stock market which he loved to educate his grandkids on. He had so much wisdom he was eager to share with his three grandchildren. He always wanted them to be successful, have everything they wanted and always work hard like their Papou did. He was most fulfilled watching his grandchildren's extracurricular activities and sports, never missing a chance to watch them succeed. Though, if ever defeated, he was the first to put a smile on their faces. He was always optimistic, encouraging and always told them to keep their chins up. He was a listener and supported everyone, with every conflict, he ended the conversation with saying to always do the right thing. He devoted his entire life to doing what was right and being a good man. He was a man of faith and felt so blessed to have the life he did, he often showed his appreciation by regularly attending church and had even served on the church council at the Assumption of Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church.
Andrew took a great amount of pride in the family he made. He will forever be remembered and loved by his wife of 51 years, Catherine, his daughter Celeste Nickas Kiricoples and her husband David of Rowley MA. Andrew is also survived by his three beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Ava and Andrew. He is predeceased by his eldest brother, Aristedes (Steve) Nickas and leaves his sister to cherish his memory, Stella Mantzouriani of Georgetown, MA along with his sister in-law, Lousie (Pohas) Nickas of South Hamilton, MA. He also leaves his nephew Anthony A. Nickas and his wife Carolyn, along with his nieces Catherine Nickas Bazdanes, her husband Theodore, Eleni Mantzourani Lymberopolous, her husband Christos, Constantina Lucido, her husband Joseph. He also leaves his great nieces and nephews, Kara Nickas, Steven Nickas, Anthony Nickas, Nicholas Bazdanes Christopher Bazdanes, Daphne Lymberopolous, Melina Lymberopolous, Zoe Lucido, Sophia Lucido, and Gabriella Lucido. He is also survived by his godson, William Belezos and his wife Jaqueline.
Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family and friends are cordially invited. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA at 11 a.m. The burial will be held in Dolliver Memorial Cemetery, Lincoln Street, Gloucester, MA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA 01939.
