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Obituaries

Salvatore Nick, 83, Forked River

A man known for his smile, his love of family, and service to his community.

Salvatore (Sal) Nick, who recently died of cancer, was a fixture in Lacey Township community life ever since he and his wife Evelyn (Lynne) Nick moved to Forked River in 1986.

Sal served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for several years in the 1990s and as an officer of the Knights of Columbus, while Lynne served as mayor in 1997 and on the township committee from 1994-1999. The Nicks' son Darrell Nick of Farmingdale is an eight-year veteran of the Lacey Township police force.

The couple’s commitment to public service was born of their love for their adopted home town, Lynne said.

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Although Mayor Gary Quinn knew Lynne better because her role was more visible, Sal was equally involved in community life. "He was so easy to get along with," said Quinn. 

It's a sentiment echoed by family friend Carol Petrucelli. "He always made me feel welcome. He was always smiling, always happy. He loved his family and couldn't do enough for them," said Petrucelli, holding back tears.

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Sal and Lynne would have been married 36 years in April. Although Sal’s father was godfather to Lynne’s brother, it wasn’t until Sal was substitute teaching in the school where Lynne taught Family and Consumer Science that the two struck up a romance.

Sal earned a business degree from Seton Hall University and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy (1946-1948).

He retired as supervisor of window services after a 36-year career with the U.S. Postal Service in Clifton. He was 50 years old when Lynne gave birth to their son Darrell. After the family moved to Forked River, Lynne continued to commute to her teaching job in north Jersey. Sal cared for Darrell and his younger sister Andrea Potor, Lanoka Harbor.  He cooked, did laundry, car-pooled, and loved being “Mr. Mom,” said Lynne.

Andrea remembers fondly how her father would take her to McDonald's for breakfast before dropping her off at kindergarten and said having a dad at school events amidst a sea of moms made her feel special. She’ll miss his jokes more than anything else, Andrea said.

Andrea gave birth to her first child, Kaylyn Rose, just days before her father died. A picture of the baby in a brightly stenciled Grandpa t-shirt sat next to us on the dining room table as we talked about Sal. Although he didn’t meet his new granddaughter, her photo sat on his dresser at the rehabilitation facility where had been recovering from the latest setback in his 10 year cancer fight. 

Sal's son from his first marriage, Gerard Nick of Lowell Vermont, says his father became a grandfather to Gerard's children about the time he and Lynne were having theirs. Like his father, Gerard is committed to public service, and has been a volunteer firefighter since 1974.

Gerard and his sister Karen Leddy, Brick, have fond memories of visiting their paternal grandfather's beach house in Bradley Beach with Sal. Gerard said, "He loved the beach. And sweets."

Andrea recalled the Wednesday dessert date she and her husband Brian Potor shared with Sal. Lynne said it was the only time during the week that dessert was served in their home. 

Darrell Nick bonded with his father over sports. Not only did Sal coach Little League and Challenger League, but he and Darrell watched Sal's beloved Seton Hall basketball team and other sports on TV together, and sometimes traveled to signing events.

A few years ago, Darrell and Sal attended a show in Chicago, where Joe Namath posed with them for a photo. Darrell said he had to talk his dad into taking the picture, but once he did, Sal treasured the memento.

Lynne and Sal took three or four cruises a year, primarily traveling around the Caribbean islands. “I’m glad I retired when I did [six years ago]. If I hadn’t, we wouldn’t have had all that time together,” said Lynne. They also enjoyed walking the boardwalk in Atlantic City and visiting the casinos. Sal was an avid fan of harness racing and could often be found at Freehold Raceway or at the off -track betting parlor in Toms River.

"He never sat still. Never. He was out in the yard, taking care of the pool. …  The fish pond, that was his love too," said Lynne.

Even though Sal’s cancer battle was lengthy, Lynne was unprepared when a doctor from the rehabilitation facility called to tell her he had died.

It's too soon to know what is ahead, she said with a single tear running down her cheek, but she doesn't think she'll ever leave their Forked River home. It's too full of happy memories, Lynne said.

Nick was born in 1928 and died on Feb. 18, 2011 at Southern Ocean Medical Center, Manahawkin.

Nick is survived by Lynne, his four children; Gerard and his wife Dawn of VT, Karen Leddy of Brick, Darrell and his wife Denise, of Farmingdale, and Andrea Potor and her husband Brian, of Lanoka Harbor. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, his brother John J. Nick, Jr. of Ringwood and many nieces and nephews.

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