John M. Nicolellis

John M. Nicolellis passed away on May 30, 2019 at the age of 76. He was the beloved husband to Diane (Zorn), married for over 50 years. Loving father to Deborah Nicolellis (Lori Wallace), Kevin (Kristina) Nicolellis and Amy Nicolellis. Cherished Papa to Alex and Brian. Beloved step-grandfather to Hannah Cheyenne Diaz.


A veteran of the Coast Guard, John, also known as “Nick” to his family, served in the early 1960’s on the USCGC Eastwind (WAGB-279), an icebreaker that made the way clear for research ships on their way to Antarctica. John retired from the Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he worked to keep radio equipment needed for essential research running for over 40 years. Retirement made way for the work he loved best, teaching future health care workers at Suffolk Community College, courses in advanced first aid and basic life support, teaching kayaking, canoeing, CPR, and wilderness first aid through the Boy Scouts of America, and teaching life-saving courses such as CPR through the American Red Cross. John loved birds - able to identify birdsong while out in the woods - and was a lifelong fisherman, often seen casting a line in the early morning from the beach, his handmade boat, a canoe, or kayak. John was also an entrepreneur at heart, having had a marine radio and radar repair business, a kayak rental and support company, and was available at all times to neighbors and friends to restore heat to their homes.

John was extremely active in his community, and was beloved by many. John was for years the President of the Suffolk County Canoe Club, and volunteered much of his time and energies with the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America. As a lifelong resident, he loved Long Island, showing his care through disaster and erosion assessment with the American Red Cross. He started a program that gave teenagers who were involved with the juvenile justice system a way to learn skills and to find hope through camping experiences and community service by fixing trails and campsites. A lifetime Scout, he met his beloved wife at a Scout dance and was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, holding many roles from Scoutmaster to District Commissioner.

John committed his life to serving others. He was a devoted family man, taking amazing care of his beloved wife, kids, and grandkids. There is no way for us to know all the ways in which he touched the lives of his neighbors, colleagues, and friends, as he was a humble man. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing in John's name, or to beloved Boy Scouts of America, Suffolk County Council, ATTN: John Nicolellis Memorial, 7 Scouting Blvd., Medford, NY 11763