Gary G. Nicholas, 60, a resident of Courtdale, passed into eternal life on Friday evening, August 18, 2017, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, surrounded by his beloved family.

His loving wife is Carol A. (Domanosky) Nicholas. Gary and Carol would have celebrated their 29^th wedding anniversary on September 3^rd.

Born on April 02, 1957, in Wilkes-Barre, Gary was one of three children born to the late Russell W. Nicholas and Bernice V. (Gorewich) Nicholas.

Gary was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1975. He went on to further his education at Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, where he attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1979.

In 1973, Gary joined his family business, Nicholas Trucking Company, Inc., a contractor for the United States Postal Service. Established by his father and grandfather in 1948, Gary became the President and Owner of the company in 1995. Through his leadership, his company was the recipient of the Eagle Spirit Award from the United States Postal Service for its exemplary service in 2000 and 2013.

Gary was also the President and Owner of Nicholas-Wyoming Valley Truck Sales, Inc., a medium duty truck sales and service company established by Gary and his father, Russell, in 1991.

Additionally, Gary was the President and Owner of Pony Express Realty Company, a business he established in 1995.

Gary served as past President of the Pennsylvania/New Jersey National Star Route Mail Carriers Association; served on the ADP Isuzu 20 Group from 2000 to 2012, acting as its President in 2010; served on the Hino Dealer Council from 1995 to 2005, acting as its President for one term; and served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Truck Dealers Association, through whom he was the 2017 recipient of the “Truck Dealer of the Year” award.

Active within his community, Gary served as Deputy Chief of the Courtdale Volunteer Hose Company since 1975, and served as its President for the past three years. In his earlier years, he was a police officer for Courtdale Borough, serving as its police chief for a brief time.

Gary was a member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish, Luzerne. He was also a longtime member of the West Side Mutual Aid Association, and the Harvey’s Lake Rod and Gun Club.

One of Gary’s greatest enjoyments in life was entertaining his family and friends at his home – he loved to throw a good party! He was an excellent cook and the self-proclaimed “Grill Master” of his family.    

Gary also had a passion for traveling, and was blessed to take his family on many vacations. He also an avid collector of model trains, cars and guns.

A selfless and giving man, Gary was the type of person who would drop everything to help anyone in need.

Above all, Gary will be remembered for his great love and devotion for his wife and children. His wife and children meant the world to him and he did everything in his power to ensure they were cared for. Although his presence will be deeply missed, he leaves behind legacy that will be cherished by his loved ones forever.

In addition to his wife, Carol, Gary is survived by his three children, Alexander Nicholas, Elizabeth Nicholas, and Matthew Nicholas, all of Courtdale; his sisters, Annette Sincavage and Joseph Babula, Courtdale; and Mariane Nicholas, Courtdale; his sister-in-law, Linda Horvath and her husband, Michael, Larksville; his niece, Lindsay Butterwick and her husband, Ian, Shavertown; his nephew, Jonathan Horvath and his wife, Christina, Memphis, Tennessee; as well as his many friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at 9:15 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne, with Monsignor Donald A. McAndrews, family friend and Pastor Emeritus of Saint Aloysius Church, Wilkes-Barre, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Nicholas Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to either Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612, or to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702.