Benjamin Toby Nickerson, 84, of Chatham, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, January 24, 2019. He will be met in Heaven by his wife Marilyn (Strutzel) Nickerson. He leaves his legacy to live in his sister, Nancy (Nickerson) Tansey and husband Fred, and his children Linda Nickerson, Pamela Nickerson, Kim (Nickerson) Young and husband Steve, Benjamin J Nickerson and “favorite daughter-in-law” Joan (Borthwick) Nickerson. He was the loving grandfather of Summer (Gallagher) Schmaling and husband Jon, Justin Wall, Cynara (Gallagher) Dubowik and husband Richard, Nicole Wall, David Duarte and wife Sanja, Caitlin Gallagher, Caleb Gallagher and wife Erica, Benjamin Gallagher, Benjamin R Nickerson, Christopher Nickerson, and the late Sarah (Duarte) McKenna. How fortunate he was to be blessed with great-grandchildren including Zoee Terry, Caroline Schmaling, Aurora Terry, Adam Thompson, Kaia Dubowik, Dezmond Wall, Tyler Schmaling, Nylah White, Grace McKenna, Marc Schmaling, and Tara Duarte. His large family also includes several nieces and nephews.
Ben T was a true Cape Codder and Chathamite. Born on May 16, 1934 in Boston, to Benjamin L Nickerson and Ruth Tobey of Chatham. Ben married Marilyn Strutzel on June 25,1955 in Aurora, Minnesota. He met Marilyn in Alaska while on duty serving in the United States Coastguard. Returning home from service he served the community of Chatham as a police officer and a firefighter.
Ben T was a Freemason of 47 years, joining the St. Martin Masonic Lodge in Chatham on February 1, 1971. As the kind and selfless man he was, he touched the lives of thousands of people along the way, truly enjoying his work as a Mason spending countless hours giving back to the community. Ben was Master of the Lodge in 1987 and served in many positions as needed over the years. In 1992, he was the recipient of the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal. Ben was also an active member and a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star and Aleppo Shrine.
Ben T volunteered his time working on the Nickerson family genealogy at the Nickerson House. As a long-time member of the First Congregational Church in Chatham, he not only attended the weekly service, he also volunteered his time ushering and driving for the FISH program. Ben and Marilyn loved traveling together and enjoyed old time country music.
Ben T and Marilyn Nickerson started Benjamin T Nickerson, Inc., a local rubbish removal company, out of their home in Chatham in 1970. The company has been a local staple serving the community for almost 50 years. Ben always completed his route with a smile, waving at everyone in town, and whistling along in his favorite truck. The business remains in the family run by his son, Benji and daughter, Pamela.
If you had the honor of meeting Ben T, you would know what a modest man he truly was. Humble to the end, he requested that there not be a service held in his honor. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chatham Police and Fire Association, or the “Children’s Charity Fund”, St Martins Masonic Lodge, PO Box 255, Chatham, MA 02633.
A special thank you to the doctors and nurses of Cape Cod Hospital. They not only exhibited exceptional care for this beloved man, they provided support and guidance for our entire family during this difficult time.
Ben T Nickerson: The Man, the Myth, the Legend.
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