Lawrence Nicola

He was born to Fouad and Lillie Nicola on November 7, 1935, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Lawrence is survived by his son Lawrence Eric Nicola and daughter-in-law Robin of Jackson, TN; his daughter Jill Nicola Mayfield, and son-in-law Mark of Melbourne, FL; his sister Jean Purser of Vicksburg, MS (husband Dewey-deceased); his grandchildren Lauren Casey Nicola, Carson Paul Nicola and wife Liz, Jacque Jo Mayfield; step-grandchildren Michael, Casey, and Stephen Mayfield; nieces Lisa Reid, Cindy Blair, Debbie Reid and nephew Todd Purser. Lawrence was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Jacque, his parents, his brothers John and Raymond Nicola and niece Paula Purser Watkins.

Lawrence married Jacque in Vicksburg on August 7, 1956. To all who met them it was clear they were deeply in love and devoted to one another, until the day they were parted when Jacque passed in 2023.

Lawrence graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. and M.S. in Astrophysics. He performed research and published papers in astrophysics for aerospace firms in California and Florida. In 1972 Lawrence was hired by Science Applications International to manage technical projects and secure new contracts and opportunities with the federal government and other organizations, eventually rising to the position of Senior Vice President.

In 1985, Lawrence and Jacque moved to Melbourne, Florida, where he retired in 1990. They were founding members of the Suntree Country Club, where they made many dear friends. Lawrence enjoyed playing golf and poker and Jacque avidly played bridge. They cherished visits from their children and grandchildren and loved traveling to countries including Germany, Italy, Australia, Russia, and the Middle East.

The family will remember Lawrence for his devotion to family, high intelligence, sage advice, sense of humor, and avid love of college football and golf. He inspired us all.