Lawrence H Nicholson

Known as Larry, he was born in Woodhaven, Queens, NY, to Lawrence J. Nicholson and Helen Klohs Nicholson, and grew up in Deer Park, New York. He graduated from Babylon High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1952 as a weatherman until his honorable discharge in 1955.

Larry came into this world at warp speed with an insatiable appetite to read, learn, and explore whatever peaked his curiosity. About age 10 after he moved to rural Deer Park the family created a home with ducks and goats in the midst of LI chicken, duck, and cow farms, and just the beginning of his strong work ethic. He was confident and self assured about any adventure he pursued. Larry became an Eagle Scout early in high school. He was a Newsday paper boy with a lengthy route requiring his bicycle, earning 3 summer camp experiences and becoming a counselor.

Larry was recognized at his high school graduation for his achievements in four years of metal, wood, auto shop classes, training which he used all his life. By high school graduation, he had completed an apprenticeship in carpentry, was a union member and was periodically employed as a carpenter.

Larry was a strong advocate of vocational training, online learning, independent research, and any educational opportunities on the job. Starting about age 15, in his backyard, he developed his car mechanic skills, including body work.

During his law enforcement career, Larry obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1971 from LaSalle Extension University, Chicago, IL (closed). He pursued law enforcement courses through the Moran Institute at St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 1968-1970, and F.B.I. management training in 1971 at the Suffolk County Police Academy Bureau, Yaphank, NY. He was an instructor in Public Administration at Suffolk County Community College (SUNY) Selden, NY 1971-1974.

After relocating to St Augustine in 1978, Larry continued to pursue training and experience through extension courses. For repairing of their watches, Timex Bulova, and Rolex require numerous training courses. Parts supply houses were a major resource for a clock restoration education. He earned certifications as a jeweler, graduate gemologist and appraiser from the American Gem Society.

His computer skills were all obtained through advanced study online to achieve proficiency to earn Florida state certification and to become an instructor in Computer Programming and Application Software at the St Augustine Technical Center from 1992-1997.

Larry was politically active from 1988 to 1996, when he was a Commissioner with the City of St Augustine Beach, including a term as mayor. He was involved with the League of Cities in Florida, in the development of the Beach City's Comprehensive Plan and the updating of the City's drainage system.

In 1956, Larry began his law enforcement career in Suffolk County with Babylon Police Department and retired from Suffolk County Police Department with the rank of Detective Lieutenant, in 1976. He served as Chief of Police for the Village of Saltaire, NY from 1974 until 1978 when he relocated to St Augustine Beach, FL.

Larry created a whole new career beginning with designing and making wood crafts, adding a clock and watch restoration business, and culminating in a full fledged jewelry, gem, and appraisals business, with his wife Mary Kay. Losing the use of one eye necessitated Larry's retirement and the sale of Nicholson Jewelers, in St Augustine, FL. In 1998, he relocated to Okeechobee, FL and renewed his early interests in automobile engines.

From 1998 through 2020, Larry sought vehicles to be restored then sold, and kept one favorite Model T, for touring. Tractors of assorted sizes were found restored and kept long enough to participate in Okeechobee parades, then sold. He looked for Model T and Model A cars and trucks around the country. As he wanted less work and more pleasure, he purchased more modern cars, ending with a 2020 Porsche - no restoration needed. However, his eyesight with macular degeneration again deteriorated and by 2021 he could no longer drive. He enjoyed all the car clubs in Florida, and especially enjoyed the many car club tours in FL and Model T tours around the country.

After relocating to Port St.Lucie, FL in 2021 Larry was not ready to completely give up driving. In the spring of 2025 his latest vehicle became a Boca Rev Electric Trike which he rode early every morning until early this December when his sight deteriorated even more.

Many of Larry's his hobbies lasted throughout his life. Photography was an interest he shared with his father, and he developed it into a part time business while living on Long Island.

In the mid1950s, Larry became a licensed amateur radio operator and was active until he became part of the Navy-Marine Corps Military Auxiliary Radio System in 1999. He was recognized for his 15 years of service in 2014. He moved to Air Force MARS in May 2015 and remained active until 2020.

Although his dirt track racing days ended early, Larry's interest in racing continued. At the Florida Flywheelers shows he often participated in the small lawn tractor weight pulling competitions. At a tractor show in Alabama he won for his little hit and miss lawn tractor to be the slowest climbing the designated hill.

While living in Okeechobee, Larry became interested in Gordy Peer's Cowboy School House where he learned whip making and participated in whip cracking and accuracy competitions, winning a first prize one year. He studied Florida history to learn more how the whip was used by the Florida Cow Hunters and shared that at Okeechobee School events and at occasional car club presentations.

Fishing was Larry's life time favorite hobby for relaxing and enjoyable competition. He was active in fishing clubs on LI and Florida, competing regularly in local and regional Bass tournaments, and winning many awards.

While he frequently fished in the Florida Keys, overall he enjoyed the fresh water environment more. He never found a bad day for fishing, and it was never necessary to catch fish, just more desirable.

Since moving to Port St Lucie, FL Larry has joined the American Legion #318. He was recently pleasantly informed that Korean War Veterans no longer had to pay for their lunches.

Larry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Kay (Dunfee) Nicholson; his son, Lawrence H. Nicholson, Jr (wife Theresa DeMarco Nicholson), and his sister Joan Wormell.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, June Locke; by Eileen Nicholson, the mother of his son, and by an adopted daughter, Lorraine Biele.

A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held 11:00AM-3:00PM on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Aycock Funeral Home 1504 SE Floresta Drive Port St Lucie, Florida 34983.

Memorial donations in Larry's name can be made to Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 and Macular Degeneration Foundation 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Ste 100, Sarasota, FL 34232.