Nicholas James Nobles

Nicholas (Nick) James Nobles, 34, passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2025, surrounded by love and family. The world has lost a beautiful soul, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Nick was born in San Diego on March 30, 1991, the beloved son of David Nobles and Barbara Nobles (Giannaris). He grew up alongside his half-brother, Christopher Nobles, spending his childhood playing sports, video games, and participating in Boy Scouts. As a child, he was devious in the most playful way—funny, gentle, endlessly curious, and always climbing or skateboarding his way into new adventures. He attended Patrick Henry High School (Class of 2009), where he played varsity baseball and badminton.

Nick graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Diego in 2013 with two Bachelor of Arts degrees, in Mathematics and Computer Science. He was a proud and active member of the USD TRIO Programs. He was widely known as the Student Support Services Tutor of the Year, helping countless underrepresented students succeed in mathematics. Nick was a natural mentor—an exceptional young scholar-leader whose presence uplifted everyone around him. He went on to excel in the TRIO McNair Scholars Program, where he developed a deep interest in fluid simulations in computer graphics and set his sights on graduate school.

Nick attended the University of California, Riverside as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, earning his Master of Science in Computer Science in 2016.

It was at UC Riverside, through the Badminton Club, that Nick met the love of his life, Nancy Nobles (Phu), in 2014. They connected instantly while playing together and discovering they were both graduate students. They became inseparable from that moment on. Nick and Nancy were married on November 22, 2023, beginning the next chapter of a partnership grounded in devotion, laughter, and unwavering support.

After graduate school, Nick pursued his passion for computer science in the software engineering industry. He worked at Intuit for seven years, rising to the role of Staff Software Engineer. His coworkers described him as reliable, intelligent, thoughtful, and a true team player—someone people trusted and admired.

Nick bravely endured an eleven-month battle against aggressive cancer, facing treatment after treatment, surgeries, and multiple hospitalizations with strength, grace, and quiet determination. He fought every single day to stay with Nancy—never wanting her to feel alone. Together, they weathered the hardest moments of their lives, holding each other, living out the deepest truth of their vows: in sickness and in health. Nick was blessed to have Nancy by his side, loving him fiercely through every season of their life together.

Nick touched the lives of so many. He was an incredible husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Anyone who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, calm and humorous demeanor, brilliant mind, resilience in hardship, and above all, his kindness. His love of video games, sports (especially badminton), rock and metal music, anime, and his fondness for all things cute—particularly Kirby—showed the beautiful range of who he was. He cherished spending time with Nancy, whether hiking, traveling, or renovating their home side by side.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his parents, David and Barbara; his brother, Christopher; and extended family who held him dearly.

Nick leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, intelligence, and quiet strength. Everyone who knew him carries forward a piece of his kindness. Nancy will forever carry Nick’s love in her heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nick’s alma mater, the University of San Diego TRIO Programs (Student Support Services, McNair Scholars, and Upward Bound).

“As we know, or have experienced firsthand, financial emergencies during undergraduate studies create undue stress during an already challenging time. Through the For Us From Us Fund, you can directly support Institute for College Initiatives (ICI) students at USD. The fund provides students in need with timely support to address hardships not typically covered by financial aid. The fund will be available solely to USD undergraduates participating in SSS or McNair, including Upward Bound alumni currently attending USD.”

Donation link:

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/47119/donations/new?designation=forusfromusfund&

After completing the payment, a screen will appear allowing donors to mark the contribution as a memorial gift. Please enter Nick’s name: “Nicholas Nobles.”

Thank you for supporting our family during this time.