Lawrence J. Nicklas, Jr.

Lawrence J. Nicklas, Jr., a lifelong resident of St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk at the age of 91.

Lawrence was born on April 19, 1932 in St. Marys at 526 Chestnut Street, son of the late Lawrence Sr. and Eleanor (Simbeck) Nicklas.

He was a 1950 graduate of St. Marys Public High School. He met the late Shirley (Schreiber) Nicklas, his future wife, in 1949 at the Fox’s Skating Rink. The couple married on October 25, 1952 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last fall. She preceded him in death on June 4, 2023.

Lawrence was a veteran of the Korean War, serving two years in the U.S. Army as a Quartermaster from January 1953 until December 1954. He trained at Fort Lee, Virginia, and was later shipped to France. He then served 8 years in the Army Reserves and was Honorably Discharged on February 2, 1961. Later he was a tool and die maker at Stackpole Carbon Company and was also a first class car mechanic. Lawrence retired April 19, 1994 from Carbone of America (formerly Stackpole.)

Lawrence had a passion for cars and enjoyed his time outdoors in nature. If anyone ever knew him, he would always be found in his garage working on cars or outside with a chainsaw in his hands.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters Debby (Daniel Taylor) and Darlene Lynch, both of St. Marys; his four grandchildren Cary (Haitham) of Port Matilda, Corry (Kristen) of Ridgway, and Alyson and Nicklas Lynch, both of St. Marys; and one great-granddaughter, Rylee.

In addition to his wife and parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by his younger brother Earl “Snuffy” Nicklas. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

A funeral service will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

A visitation will be held for family and friends at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to the America Legion Post #103, 168 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; the Crystal Fire Department, 319 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA 15857; and the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.