Gary "Nick" Nicholson

Gary William Nicholson, known affectionately by most as “Nick,”died peacefully on August 16, 2024, at his home in Jupiter Florida, surrounded by his loving family. He was a long-time resident of Pearl River, New York where he and his wife reared their four children. He was 80 years old.

Gary was born on August 6, 1944, to Arthur and Eileen Nicholson (nee Courtney). He grew up in Washington Heights, the oldest of five sons. He attended Incarnation Grammar School, where he met his lifelong friends from the “Heights,”some of whom went on to graduate with him from Manhattan Prep High School, where Gary was a standout centerfielder and Daily News All-City baseball player. Commenting on his hitting ability, the entry in his high school yearbook stated, “he hit the ball farther than it was meant to be hit.”

Following his graduation from Manhattan Prep, Gary joined the United States Navy, where he distinguished himself as the “Honor Man” - the top recruit in Basic Training. Following his time in the Navy, he worked as an electrician for the Port Authority, before joining the New York City Transit Police Department in 1966.

Nick’s story, however, begins and ends with his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Norah (nee Sullivan), who he affectionately called “Nonee.” Nick and Norah met in Washington Heights when they were only 15 years old. On the night he officially asked her to be his girlfriend, he declared that he was going to marry her - a promise he proudly kept on September 2, 1963. Many friends have described their 64-year romance as the greatest love story of all time. There was nothing they enjoyed more in life than spending time with each other.

His 24-year career in the New York City Transit Police Department was nothing short of legendary. He was widely described by the cops he worked with as larger than life, and the greatest boss they ever had. Stories abound about his fierce loyalty to and protection of his people. The term he was a “Cops Cop” cannot adequately capture what he represented to those who had the honor to serve with him.

Nick was an imposing figure in his uniform, at 6’4”, 230 pounds with a thick Fu Manchu mustache; however, he was incredibly kind with a huge loving heart of gold. For many years he proudly led the Transit Police Department contingent up 5th Avenue during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, carrying his beloved American Flag. The Wolfe Tones’ song “Big Strong Man” could have been written to describe him: “He had an arm like a leg, and a punch that could sink a battleship … a row of 40 medals on his chest (big chest).”

During his tenure in the Transit Police Department, he earned a Bachelor's Degree from Iona College, where he received the Criminal Justice Award for top student, and earned a nursing degree from Rockland Community College. He rose through the ranks while attending college, and true to form, achieved the top spot on both the Lieutenant and Captain’s promotional exams.

He retired as a Captain of Detectives in 1990, having distinguished himself as the most decorated Captain in Transit Police Department history. He spent the next 10 years providing executive protection services to the top Executives of RJR Nabisco and IBM.

He enjoyed the last 24 years of life in his favorite role as “Granddaddy,” doting over his grandchildren, attending their various activities, and proudly wearing attire bearing the names and logos of their colleges, which formed the basis of his limited wardrobe.

While he was many things to many people, Nick was most known for his abounding love for others. His signature question to his loved ones was “Did I ever tell you I love you?” Yes, you have! We love you too, and will miss you beyond measure!

He is predeceased by his parents, Eileen and Arthur Nicholson, sister-in-law Patsy Sullivan, and recently deceased beloved sister-in-law Marie Nicholson. He is survived by his loving wife Norah; his brothers: Brian, Robert (Mary), Paul (Kathy), and Arthur; his Children: Danny (Betty), David (Donna), Kerry (Mark), Scott (Lisa); grandchildren: Keith, Emma (Ross), Michael (Claudia), Olivia (Chris)and Ariel; step-grandchildren: Matt (Maureen), John (Beth), Brenden (Chelsea), and Emily (Nick); step-great grandchildren: Emily, Max, and Oliver; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following charitable organizations in his memory: Tunnels to Towers Foundation T2T.org or The Widows and Children’s Fund of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, Inc. 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10004