Joseph Theodosiou Nicholas

Joe was born on July 10, 1937, in Haverhill, MA, and grew up in Gorham, NH, the beloved son of the late Nicholas Theodosiou and Josephine (Cassola) Nicholas. He attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, MA. He went on to earn his B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Notre Dame, a place that remained close to his heart for the rest of his days.

A proud patriot, Joe served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 as a Russian voice interceptor stationed in Germany. He went on to build a long and steady career, from Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City to W.T. Grant in New Hampshire, and later to Peerless Insurance Company in Keene, always bringing the same dedication he gave to everything in life.

As a devout Catholic, Joe was a cherished member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit and a proud 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, living out his beliefs not just in word but in the way he treated everyone around him. He was an avid sports fan who never missed a Red Sox game or Notre Dame football game, but above all he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play many sports. Joe stayed active and full of life well into his later years. He found joy in travel with family and friends, seeing as much of the world as he could. He was a member of the Brattleboro Stamp Club, taking pride in his extensive stamp collection. He gave generously of his time as president of the Monadnock Parkinson’s Support Group. Nothing meant more to Joe than his family. Every trip, every hobby, every quiet evening was made richer by the people and pets he loved, and who loved him back just as fiercely.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Claudette (Morel) Nicholas, his partner and best friend through it all; his children, Mary Beth Basso and her husband Robert of Naples, FL, Theodore (Ted) Nicholas and his wife Jennifer of Keene, NH, Joseph Nicholas and his wife Mara of North Haven, CT, and Aimee Reitzen and her husband Jeffrey of Bellmore, NY. He was an adored Papa by his nine grandchildren Nicholas, Skylar, Caden, Annelise, Faith, Aaron, Andrew, Will, and Matthew, each of whom will carry on his wonderful qualities, interests and joy for life.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at DiLuzio Foley and Fletcher Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. All are invited to attend.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Bernard's Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, NH. Joe will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery immediately following, where he will remain close to the community and faith he loved so well.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467, or to the Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org) or Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (hcsservices.org) or the KAT6 Foundation (KAT6.org).