Juan Rodrick Evans Nicholas

Juan Rodrick Evans Nicholas was born in Oriente, Cuba on August 21, 1935 to the late Bernard and Beatrice Evans Nicholas. In addition to Juan, this union produced Celita, Amore, Antonio, Angel and Jesus.

Juan attended the prestigious El Colegio “Los Amigos” de Holguin Cuba and after graduation in 1958, he took a leap of faith and moved to America. Juan had always valued education and after moving to America, he attended the University of Maine, in Orono, Me, and Defiance College in Defiance, OH, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree. Juan never lost his passion for learning and earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY and later earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York located in Brooklyn, NY.

With all of his accomplishments, Juan still longed to start a family. He was raised in a close knit family and wanted to share his values and lessons with a family of his own. Juan met Rachel Jennings in 1961 and they were later married at Riverside Church in New York on December 23, 1967. From this union, the couple’s three sons, Juan, Antonio and Christopher were born.

Juan first taught at Lord Baltimore Schools in Ocean View, DE, and was one of the first Black teachers to be employed there. In 1967, Juan began teaching in Commack, Long Island, and taught Mathematics there for over 30 years. Juan absolutely loved educating children and watching them learn and thrive in his classes. He would often joke that after he taught his students, he would later teach their children. He loved basketball and found a way to incorporate both of his passions into a into a club at school where basketball and math could be integrated. He loved to discuss The New York Knicks, whom he affectionately called his “homeboys.” Juan was also fervent about politics; he loved watching political shows and welcomed anybody willing to debate. He was always ready to defend his beliefs, which led to many fiery, yet enjoyable conversations.

Upon retiring from the Commack School District, Juan was able to travel back home to Cuba and see his beloved family. He became an avid gardener and a wonderful cook. He always enjoyed reading, and strived to learn and grow everyday, which was a work ethic he instilled in his children. Juan was a family man who never forgot where he came from, and often shared stories of his humble beginnings. He deeply loved his wife of whom he spent over 55 years of marriage; loved his children, grandchildren and supported many nieces, nephews and friends. Juan always wanted to be of service any time he could, was a fierce champion of Black excellence and took pride in everything that he did. He was passionate about his faith in God. As his health began to fail, he continued to be in good spirits and remained grateful to God for all the blessings bestowed upon him.

On February 3, 2023, Juan transitioned from this world but he will forever remain in our hearts. He leaves to mourn him, his beloved wife, Rachel, his sister-in-law, Harriett Jennings, his sons: Juan (Alisha), Antonio (Letitia), Christopher (Shannon), his grandchildren: Nalani, Gianni, Madison and Natalia, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica and Canada.

In Appreciation:

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks for all of the support, prayers and kindness shown during this time. A special thank you to Catholic Charities, StonyBrook Hospital, and most of all the personable care from Ms. Dorinda Roberts, Ms. Carrissa Wheeler and our caring neighbors, Lidiamo ”David” Durocher & Charlie Ecker and family.

A visitation for Juan will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776. Prayer service Sunday at 6 PM. There will be closing prayer on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 10:45 AM before processing to Washington Memorial Park for the interment.

The service will be livestreamed beginning at 5:30 PM and can be viewed by clicking on this link:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8040924609

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavisportjefferson.com for the Nicholas family.