John H. "Jack" Nicholas

WARE - John H. (Jack) Nicholas, 78, a longtime Ware resident, died peacefully at home on Monday, May 15, 2017, with his family by his side. 

He and beloved wife Patricia A. “Penny” (Allen) Nicholas recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on April 13th. Born in Lee, he was the son of the late Monroe and Leona (Peron) Nicholas.  He was a graduate of Lee High School and served honorably in the US Navy from 1957-59, where he first acquired skills as a cook, his lifelong vocation.  Mr. Nicholas began his career as a Manager for Friendly’s, serving in Meriden, CT before settling in Ware in 1964.  Following Friendly’s, he worked for years as Food Services Manager at Mary Lane Hospital, and then spent the last 26 years of his career in his dream job, as Food Services Director for the Ware Public Schools.  Jack was also a “go to” caterer for many years, and held various second jobs in local establishments.  He loved to play golf and was an avid sports fan.

In addition to his wife Penny, he is survived by five children; Melissa Puliafico and her husband Paul of Brookfield, Heather Christiansen and her husband Todd of Charlton, Joseph (JC) Nicholas and his wife Kirsten of North Grosvenordale, CT,  Jeffrey Nicholas of Brookfield, and Kerry (Christian) Rollins and her husband Larry of Good Hope, GA, his brother Ronnie Nicholas and his wife Deborah of Pittsfield; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Nicholas of Ware, Maria Puliafico and her husband Robert Henderson of Worcester, Andrea Nicholas of Ware, Nicholas Christiansen and Lauren Christiansen of Charlton, Katherine Nicholas of West Brookfield, John Nicholas and Thomas Nicholas of North Grosvenordale, CT; five great grandchildren, Joshua, Jillian and Jackson Musnicki of Ware, and Tyson and Miles Moriarty of Charlton; nieces, nephews and many longtime friends and his loving neighbors from the “top of the hill”. He was predeceased by his son John Henry Nicholas Jr. in 1999.

Jack was recognized often for his service in Ware but his proudest accomplishment was his family and he loved cooking for large gatherings of family and friends.  He believed in hard work and humor and honored both throughout his life.

A Memorial Services and Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 4:00 PM. at the United Church of Ware, 49 Church St. in Ware. Visiting hours will be Friday, prior to the service from 2:00-4:00PM in the church.  Burial will be held privately at the convenience of his family.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either the Jubilee Food Cupboard, 20 Park St., Ware, MA 01082 or to the UMass Memorial Foundation, 333 South St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.  Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., Ware is assisting his family with arrangements.

charbonneaufh.com