Posted on 03/05/2018
Robert Harold Nichael, 76, died suddenly on Monday, February 26, in Newark, NJ, following a vacation to Athens, Greece. Bob was born in Pottsville, PA in 1941. He was a 1964 graduate of the Naval Academy. After 20 years of service as a Supply Officer, Bob retired in 1984 as a Commander. After his naval career he worked for TCI and Unisys. Bob was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. He was fondly known by friends as "Captain Gadget" because of his love of the latest technological devices.
Bob was predeceased by his High School Sweetheart, Diane Sirko, whom he married 3 days after graduation and by his parents Harold Michael Nichael and Sophie Mickey Nichael of Minersville, PA. Bob felt extremely fortunate to be raised in Minersville, surrounded by a huge family of loving aunts, uncles and cousins immersed with Polish food and traditions.
He is survived by his wife Marrian Miner Nichael whom he met at CUMC at the annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. They were married on St. Patrick's Day 2001 and spent the following 17 years enjoying their joint passion for travel. He is also survived by his children Stephen Harold Nichael, Nancy Diane Nichael and grandson Dalton Robert Nichael and step-daughter Sarah Miner Hayhurst Peet(Andy). He is also survived by his sister Dolores Mazur, and nieces Holly Norstrand (Leif) and Jo Ann Monteith.
A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 4 at 2 PM at Community United Methodist Church located at 1072 Old Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA. Internment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the USO to honor Bob's love of the Navy and of travel.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Mar. 2, 2018