Donald G. Nickerson

Warren - Donald G. “Nick” Nickerson, 90, of Warren, died peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center after a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 70 years, Claire A. (Wirf) Nickerson of Warren; a daughter, Deborah Tonelli and her husband Norman of Westerly, Rhode Island; two sons, Timothy Nickerson of Warren and Jeff Nickerson and his wife Sharon of North Brookfield; four grandchildren, Melissa Vadnais, Allyson Manganello, Tyler Nickerson and Conor Nickerson, as well as three great-grandchildren, Timothy, Rachel, and Julian Letourneau. He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Jenny (Griggs) Nickerson, his sister, Shirley Staples, and his brother David Nickerson.

After graduating from Warren High School, Nick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served at 8th & I barracks in Washington D.C. supporting ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery.  He was then deployed to Korea where he received the Purple Heart for his wounds received in heavy fighting at Bunker Hill. After his proud service, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart Claire Wirf and started a family. Nick worked for American Bell Telephone Company for 42 years.  Along with his father and brother he started “Nickerson’s Par 3” golf course in Warren, where many memories were made for his family. People from all around the area recall the golf course fondly. After retirement, Nick continued to work for his brother Dave and his son’s business, CBIS in West Brookfield, as a special projects Manager until Covid when he worked from home.  

Nick was a dedicated public servant for the town of Warren serving for many years as Fire Chief, Constable, President of the Warren Ambulance Squad, and also serving for many years on the Board of Selectman. He also served as Chairman of the Master Plan Committee among many other committees. Nick was one of 5 town residents who were honored with being Purple Heart recipients reflected by having his name is on the Purple Heart Memorial in West Warren. He always looked forward to the Purple Heart Breakfasts held each year by the Warren Veterans Council.  In June of 2022, Nick was honored to have been selected as a recipient of "Honor Flight" being flown to Washington, D.C. for the day to visit all of the war memorials dedicated to those who served during our Country’s conflicts. Accompanied by his son Jeff, it was an unforgettable experience that he was so very proud to be part of.

Nick was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved Christmas and would shower gifts on the family. He never stopped working, taking pride in his home and landscaping and always helping out his family and others at a moment’s notice.

The family offers their sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center for the excellent care they provided to Nick and their compassion in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Honor Flight Connecticut at www.honorflightct.org

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.   

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