Jonathan Matthew M. Nalikka

Jo was born 02/07/2004 in Rockville, MD and died 11/2/2024, in NYC. He is survived by his parents Paul and Betty Pool-Nalikka of Boyds, MD and siblings Pauline, Ashley, Elaine and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces both in the US and Uganda.

Jo grew up in Montgomery County and attended public schools- Matsunaga ES, Roberto Clemente MS and Richard Montgomery HS. Jo was an avid sports man, swim meets, playing in various county soccer leagues, high school soccer, track, and field. Jo had a gentle, non-violent sunny disposition, which belied a passionate commitment to the causes he believed in, and volunteered for, amongst others, political issues of many hues, helping cancer victims, climate change and many others. Jonathan had an innate insatiable curiosity about the world around him, especially history and the physical sciences. He was a gifted student with a natural ability to effortlessly grasp concepts, he was kind and generous, especially in helping, tutoring, and mentoring fellow students throughout his academic experience, starting in middle school through college. When he graduated from High School he attracted multiple scholarship offers from the nation’s top Universities, among them Rensselaer, Caltech, MIT, UMD and Columbia. He chose Columbia.

For his Columbia experience, the words of the Dean of Columbia Engineering say it all:

“….I write with sadness to inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of Jonathan Nalikka, a junior in Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science program. He was an Egleston Scholar, one of Columbia Engineering’s most prestigious programs recognizing engineering students dedicated to advancing the human condition on local, national, and global scales.

While at Columbia Engineering, Jonathan was a Teaching Assistant for key computer science courses and participated in research at the A²R Lab at Barnard College, which focuses on robotic systems and promotes responsible and accessible robotics and computing. He had already found his way into the wider world of technology through research and internships at NVIDIA and Amplify. Jonathan cared deeply about social issues and aimed to contribute to a more equitable tech industry. He was an outstanding scholar and valued member of our campus community, and his many contributions leave a lasting impact….”

Your stay with us was not long, it was meaningful and impactful to everyone you touched. Our lives are better for having known you Jo, Fare thee Well. May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Mother Seton Catholic Church,19951 Father Hurley Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:00am. If you are unable to attend, services will be live-streamed, Click Here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities: Archdiocese of Washington, https://secure2.convio.net/ccdc/site/Donation2?df_id=1601&mfc_pref=T&1601.donation=form1

Donors, should fill out form indicating Jonathan and choose whether they want the gift to go to specific missions or it’s a general gift to be used where it is needed the most. If they wish, indicate our names and address- so that we are advised of their donation.

The family would like to recommend hotels close to the residence. Please view the tribute wall for more information.