John Elmer Nickerson

John Elmer Nickerson, lovingly known as “Papa” passed away at the New Hampshire Veterans Home on Dec. 10th, 2023, at the age of 90. He was a celebrated Korean War Veteran.

John was born in East Boston, along with his twin sister Ann King, on October 20th, 1933. He graduated from East Boston High School in 1951, as a Captain of his football team where he met the love of his life “Jackie”. They would later marry and move to Lynnfield Massachusetts to raise their family. He worked at ADT security and eventually retired. Upon retirement, he later worked at Moynihan lumber in North Reading and was a school bus driver.

John was a simple family man with a heart of gold, always quick with a smile and a joke when you met him. He was a fixture at all his children’s sporting events and a “Faithful Fan” even featured in their yearbooks. He was a kind Papa to all his grandchildren and he enjoyed fishing, building sandcastles, playing matchbox cars and lake time with them all. He loved his family and never missed a chance to spend time with them. He was known for his collection of hats that always matched his shirts and was an avid weight lifter. He enjoyed watching all sports on television especially with his close friend “Punkey” who is now deceased. His family never went without. If he couldn’t afford it, he would build it. If he couldn’t build it, he would fix it with duct tape.

John is survived by his wife Jackie of 64 years, Freedom NH. His daughter Robin Buhrer and her husband James of Andover. His daughter Lyn Giancotti and husband Mark of Townsend MA. His daughter Lori Nickerson and partner Andrew Ciano of Byfield MA. His son John Nickerson and wife Lauren Nickerson of Lynnfield MA. His legacy extends to his beloved grandchildren: Lauren and Michael Buhrer, Kelly and Jack Giancotti and Brooke and Gianna Nickerson. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews. 

John is predeceased by his parents Mary and Elmer Nickerson of East Boston MA. His twin sister Ann King of East Boston. His brother Michael Nickerson of East Boston MA. His sister Marge McGilvery of Reading MA. His sister Dot Rose of St. Louis Missouri. His sister May Majchrzak of Burlington MA. His dear friend Helen Mary Catania “Punkey” of Freedom NH. 

Funeral services were held privately and there will be a private celebration of life this Spring in Freedom NH.