Nicholas John Wojcian

Nicholas lived a life marked by service, hard work, laughter, faith, and deep love for his family. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene Wojcian. Nicholas was the youngest of five siblings, sharing his life with his brothers and sister: Sylvia, Steve, Andy, and Leonard. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Sue and Flower.

Nicholas proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain. His military service was a source of great pride throughout his life, and he will ultimately be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in honor of that service.

Following his time in the Army, Nicholas built a long and successful career in retail management, spending over 30 years in the field, with much of that time dedicated to Walmart Stores, Inc. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and the many relationships he formed throughout his career.

Above all, Nicholas was a proud father to Heather, Bryan, and Michelle, and was affectionately known as Papa or Big Papa to his six beloved grandchildren: Caleb, Robert, Cameron, Jacob, Benjamin, and Madelynne. His family, and especially his grandchildren, meant everything to him.

During the last year of his life, Nicholas lived with his daughter Michelle and her family so they could help care for him throughout his illness. His children, Heather, Bryan, and Michelle, surrounded him with love and support, with Heather and Bryan visiting often to help care for him and to make the most of the time they had together. While the year was filled with difficult days, treatments, pain, and the heartbreak that comes with watching someone you love suffer, it was also filled with love, prayer, togetherness, and moments of joy. In the early months of his diagnosis, his family made the most of the time they knew was limited, sharing travel, memories, and precious time together.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Nicholas, you knew he was a big guy with an even bigger presence. He was an avid reader, loved music and good food, rarely missed a sports game, and appreciated the occasional round of golf. In the years following his retirement, he took great care in his health and was known to walk 7 to 10 miles almost daily. On a beautiful day, it was not uncommon to see him out on one of his long walks, especially when he was visiting his daughter Michelle in Georgia.

Nicholas loved being on the water, whether boating on a lake, sitting on the beach, or relaxing poolside, especially at his daughter Heather’s house. He found great joy and peace in the mountains, one of his favorite places to be. He also loved a good war movie, a good laugh, and the simple joy of time spent with the people he cared about most.

Cancer took much from Nicholas and from the future his family had hoped he would enjoy, but it never took away the love that surrounded him. Raised Catholic, Nicholas was not always actively practicing, but near the end of his journey he found comfort in reconnecting with his faith. His family takes peace in knowing that in his final days, he was surrounded in love and prayer.

Nicholas will be remembered for his humor, his strength, his service, his faith, and the deep love he had for his family. His presence will be deeply missed, and there will forever be a Dad- and Papa-sized hole in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by all who knew him.

In honor of Nicholas, the family asks that those who feel moved consider making a donation in his memory to a pancreatic cancer research organization, such as the Lustgarten Foundation, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, or another cancer research cause close to your heart.