November 12, 1943 - May 28, 2023

Gerald “Gerry” P. Nicholls, Jr., died on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at his home is Bordentown, NJ. He was 79 years old. Born in Orange, New Jersey, he was the first of five children of loving parents, Gerald P. Nicholls, Sr., and Agnes Muriel (Drew) Nicholls.
He grew up in West Orange and in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Graduating from Neptune High School he earned his bachelor’s degree at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). There he met his future wife, Linda L. (Plaag) Nicholls. They married the day following their graduation and would share 45 years together until her passing in 2010. He leaves behind a daughter and son and their families, Mrs. Ingrid L. Cataldi (Michael) of Caldwell and their daughters Deliah and Zurie, both at home; and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Nicholls (Kinjal) of Jersey City, New Jersey, and their son Benjamin and daughter Asha, also both at home. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Janis M. Nicholls. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Drew and Josephine Nicholls of Brick Township, NJ and sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Michael McNamara of Point Pleasant, NJ and sister June Connor of Toms River, NJ. Also surviving is his late wife’s sister, Mrs. Anita Stevens of New Egypt, NJ.
Gerry taught high school science in Woodbridge Township and Ewing Township public schools. After earning a master’s degree at Trenton State, joined the Physics Department there. He went on to earn a second master’s and doctor of philosophy at Temple University specializing in Health Physics.
After thirteen years at Trenton State, and attaining the rank of Associate Professor of Physics, Gerry accepted a position in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. There he worked on many environmental health and safety issues for twenty-five years, retiring from the position of Director, Environmental Safety, Health and Analytical Programs. He loved teaching, working with students on research projects and ensuring the environmental safety and health of New Jersey residents.
Gerry volunteered in the Bordentown community, at various times advising an environmental group, coaching youth sports with his wife and daughter, and serving on the local Boy Scout Troop Committee. He was also elected to five terms on the Bordentown Regional School District Board of Education. Gerry and Linda enjoyed gardening, reading, photography, fishing, and target shooting. Time spent with their children and grandchildren was especially enjoyable and meaningful. Gerry was a member of Holy Apostles’ Episcopal Church, Yardville, NJ
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday June 2, 2023 at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
A Celebration of the Eucharist service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 12:30 p.m at Holy Apostles’ Episcopal Church, 1040 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gerry’s name to the Memorial Fund of Holy Apostles’ Church or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
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