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Joseph Nickels Obituary

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Joseph Nickels

Mays Landing, NJ

June 14, 1945 - July 9, 2014

Joseph Nickels Obituary

Joseph Anthony Nickels III, born June 14, 1945 to Joseph Anthony Nickels Jr. and Mary (Fitzpatrick) Nickels of Philadelphia, PA, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2014 in Clearwater, FL after an courageous battle with liver disease. Joe grew up in Kensington and Huntington Valley, PA, attended La Salle High School and graduated from La Salle College in 1963. Joe served his country proudly as a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army Infantry during the Vietnam War earning recognition as Drill Sergeant of the Year, with an honorable discharge upon completion of his term of service. Joe called upon his Drill Sergeant training skills in parenting, coaching, working and serving others. Joe worked in the carpet and floor covering business for over 40 years, starting his career with C. H. Masland Companies. He considered Benj Berman Inc. as one of his most successful and enjoyable employment experiences, having made many lifelong industry and personal friends during his tenure. He also worked for Camden Flooring, BFC Flooring and most recently as president of Joe Nickels LLC floor covering as a consultant. Joe was regarded by many as an industry expert and legend. Joe’s strong sense of civic duty led him to seek elected positions as Hamilton Twp. Committeeman (1993-1997 & 2007-2008), Atlantic County Freeholder (1996-1999) , Hamilton Township Zoning and Planning Boards, Former Chair, Atlantic County Planning Board, charter member of Hamilton Twp. Veteran’s Advisory Board and Atlantic County Veteran’s Advisory Board, member of Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 254, Vietnam Veterans of America Post 238, Knights of Columbus and Hamilton Twp. Historical Commission. He was an active member of the Philadelphia Pickwick Club and Ocean City Riverboat Club. Politics, coaching and advocating for veterans were Joe’s most arduous pursuits. Joe was blessed with a quick wit, a great sense of humor, a sharp mind and was never without a story. Joe lived life to the fullest as an avid scuba diver, gourmet cook, marathoner, triathlete, rower, competitive swimmer, a vocal veteran’s advocate, and EHT and Hamilton Twp. football, soccer and baseball coach. He enjoyed 70’s rock and roll music and didn’t encounter a social gathering where he didn’t fit in. Joe wore athletic gear as easily as a three piece suit, with a passion for Philly sports teams and Notre Dame Football. Joe’s greatest legacy is his children with his most desired attribute to be remembered as being an honorable man. Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Janet (Trasferini), His children; Joseph IV of Atlantic City, Daniel Nickels & Shannon of Ocean City, Jeffrey Nickels & Leslie of Newtown, Pa, Allison, Kevin and Michael Nickels of Mays Landing, NJ, He is preceded in death by his brother Jack Nickels, survived by sister in law Marcia Nickels of Woodstock, GA, sisters Anita Smith of Churchville, PA, Maria Molinaro & Nick of Tampa, FL, sisters in law Carmi & Greg Brooks, Mary & Dan Parks, Teri Trasferini and many devoted cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, July 19th from 10am-12pm, at Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, where services will be held at 12noon. Interment and Military Honors will follow at the Atlantic County Veteran’s Cemetery in Estell Manor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled Sports USA, South Jersey Chapter which supports local injured veterans through adaptive sports c/o John Rush USMC 327 Superior Rd, EHT, NJ 08234 where a memorial award has been established in Joe’s name or to Life Net Health which provides organ donor services (www.lifenet-foundation.org).

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Joseph Nickels.