Obituaries

Thomas E. Nicklaus, 74

March 26, 2016

Thomas E. Nicklaus, 74, of Lancaster, passed away on March 26, 2016 at Hershey Medical Center surrounded by his family after battling multiple myeloma the past six years. He was born in Lancaster and was the son of the late Edward T. and Dorothy F. (Dussinger) Nicklaus.

He is survived by his wife, Carol A. (Lichty) Nicklaus. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on June 17th.

Thomas was a 1959 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. He attended Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College.

He was a founding and active member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and past treasurer of the St. Philip’s Men’s Club and a member of St. Philip’s Guys and Dolls Club. He was a 3rd Degree with the Knights of Columbus Council #867 and enjoyed volunteering at their bingo night. He was a former member of the Lancaster Sertoma Club and an active member of the Lancaster Bicycle Club.

Thomas was very proud to have earned the LCHS Citation Alumni Award in 2012. He loved spending time with his family especially at one of his favorite places, Stone Harbor, NJ.

He was a world traveler and avid bicyclist. He had biked across several states and enjoyed bike tours in Europe with his wife.

Retired President of the family business, Hammond Pretzel Bakery, he and Carol make up the 4th generation. He worked at the bakery most of his life, starting as a young man of 16 years old and still enjoyed working and helping in the daily activities wherever needed. Now the 5th generation of the family, operates the business, his two children, Brian Nicklaus and Karen Achtermann.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Carol, are three children, Deborah N., wife of Jerome J. Free, Jr. of Lansdale, Brian M. Nicklaus, husband of Danica N., of Lancaster, Karen N., wife of Karl F. Achtermann, of Lancaster, five grandchildren, Laura, Rachel, and Caroline Free, and Thomas and Joshua Achtermann and a brother, Michael W. Nicklaus, husband of Mary, of Fort Myers, FL.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 1st, 2016 at 11AM at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with The Rev. Lawrence Sherdel as Celebrant. A viewing will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA 17602 from 6-8PM on Thursday and again at the church from 10-11AM on Friday. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’s memory to Lancaster Catholic High School Foundation 650 Juliette Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 or St. Anne Retirement Community 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia, PA 17512

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Condolences to the Family

August 18, 2019

Dear Carol,
While making plans to attend Class of ‘59 reunion, I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Tom’s passing. You and he were an inspiring love story to all who knew you, and he was a giant of a man in so many ways –  to his family and friends, his business colleagues and customers, his churchh and community, and to LCHS and its legacy, among many others.  Tom had such an unforgettable smile and zest for life, love, and service.  My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.  May God hold you close, give you strength and hope, and surround you with love and support today and every day. Love and prayers, Susan O’Brien Silva, LCHS classmate

April 21, 2016

Dear Carol, Suter and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and all your family.  We just learned this week from Karen of Tom’s passing and your great loss.  Tom’s smile in his obituary and in the photo on the cover of the Lancaster magazine, which I have in front of me, brings back many memories of biking good times and Tom’s help when I came to your Hammond’s Bakery.  Tom will continue to live in memory in all of your hearts and in memories of your many friends and many people, whose lives Tom touched during his lifetime.   You are in our loving thoughts and prayers, your friends,  Patti and Suter Hudson  
 
  

April 18, 2016

Carol, I have been a customer all my life as well as my family before me. You always talked to me when I was in the shop. I know you and Tom both graduated Lancaster Catholic in 1959, while I graduated the same year at McCaskey. I was away and just learned of your loss. you have my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Tom’s passing.I hope that time will heal the pain. Bill Chillas

April 03, 2016

We just found out today in church that Tom passed away.  He is a wonderful man, father and grandfather.  Sympathies and Much Love, Jean & Steve Bertz & Family

April 01, 2016

Dear Carol and family,  We were so sad to learn that Tom had taken a turn for the worse and had gone to be with The Lord!  It was a shock to hear the news as the last time we saw you both at church he seemed to be doing well.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and all of your family.  Sincerely,  Dottie & Tom Schaller

March 31, 2016

Dear Carol and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I so enjoyed conversing with him at our LCHS reunions and regret that our post H.S. years were limited to the reunions. May God Bless You and keep you all.
Sincerely,  Joe Sauter 

March 31, 2016

We are so very sorry to hear of Toms passing we are thinking about you and the family you are in our thoughts and prayers Bill Dee and Traci and the rest of the mcfalls family god bless

March 31, 2016

I’m so saddened to read this.  I’ve ridden a few rides with Tom through the Lancaster Bicycle Club.  He was such a kind man.  My condolences to the family.

March 31, 2016

Sorry to learn of Tom’s passing.
My sincere condolences go out to his family.
I worked with Tom at the bakery in the 1960’s as a part-timer during my teenage years and I remember him as being a real good guy.
Michael Warner

March 31, 2016

Carol and family we are so very sorry for your loss of Tom he will greatly missed .our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time  Bill ,Dee Traci mcfalls

March 30, 2016

Brian & Danica, 
      Thinking of you both at this difficult time,
              Love Aunt Tina & Mam (Boas)

March 30, 2016

So sorry to hear of your dads passing. You will all be in our prayers. 
Eileen and Ray Nitchke

March 29, 2016

Carol, Karen and Brian
I am sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.  I will never forget working with your family in 2003.  Tom always gave me great tips on how to interact with customers and how best to clean out the salt traps.  His work ethic was infectious and it taught me to always strive for excellence while on the job. I am sorry that I will be away for the service, but my dad will be there.
Blessings to you all,
AJ Lease

March 29, 2016

Carol, Karen and Brian
We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We had hoped/assumed that he would get thru this recent problem and continue on as he has for the past 6 yrs. He was a great husband, father and granfather and we are blessed to have been friends with your family for the past 20 years.  Even though he made an occasional wrong turn on a bike ride with us behind him, we always enjoyed the journey and Tom will always be part of our rides. We’re very sorry we are away and will miss his service but you all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Janice & Roger Morris

March 29, 2016

The Nicklaus family, I have great memories of riding bicycle with tom. Always a good time. Tom’s sense of humor on the rides was special.
Kyle Awkerman

March 29, 2016

Carol, Brian, Karen, Debbie, and Families,
I am so sorry for your loss. His legacy lives on through all of you! The kindness and caring he showed to me and my mom while we worked at Hammonds was without measure. He would always stop to say hello, spark up a quick conversation, or tell a joke as he went on with his work at the factory. The love he had for his family and his job always shined bright, and he had an incredible work ethic. Whenever any of the grandchildren came in his face lit up with pride. I will always have fond memories of Tom and working at Hammonds. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time, and if there is anything you may need and I am able to help please do not hesitate to ask! May his memory be eternal.
Eleni Torres & Family

March 29, 2016

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and we are truly sorry for your loss. Tim has shared what a wonderful man Mr. Nicklaus was and we hope that your faith and memories will bring you comfort always. Please know that you have our support and condolences during this difficult time.
– John Davidson & All of us at Phoenix/Packaging, Inc.

March 29, 2016

Carol and Family: Elaine and I were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.  Paul & Elaine Nicklaus

March 29, 2016

To Carol and family,  I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of fond memories riding with Tom. I rode with the Lancaster bike club for 17 years and had A lot of Laughs and a lot of great fun on trips and weekly club rides with Tom.  His kindness meant a lot to me Back then And I will never forget him.
Brenda Baker

March 28, 2016

Carol, Karen, Brian and Debbie and families;
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now. Tom was an amazing father, husband and grandfather! There are many wonderful memories that you will all be able to cherish forever. As a lifelong of Karens, I am fortunate to be able to share in some of those memories, especially beach trips to Stone Harbor or hanging out at the bakery and “helping out”. Tom and Carol were the first people to introduce me to the world of cycling as well. I always found it amazing that they could ride 100 miles in a day!! 🙂 May you all have strength at this time and know that so many people loved and cherished your husband, father, grandfather! Love from Stacey Reed and Family, Louisiana

March 28, 2016

Carol,
We were so sorry to hear about  Tom’s passing.  What a great classmate starting at St. Anthony’s.  Sorry I didn’t see much of you except at the high school reunions.
God Bless you and the Family.
Jack & Marty Naunas

March 28, 2016

Brian – so sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and your family. Peter Zanowski

March 28, 2016

Tom Nicklaus Family, we are saddened by the news of Tom’s passing.  He will be in our thoughts and prayer’s.  My brother Paul and wife Elaine are in Houston and also sends their condolences.  Jim and Marianne Nicklaus and children Jill/Kevin.

March 28, 2016

Mike and Nicklaus Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Brother, Husband, Father and grandfather. Know that he is in heaven and watching over all of you. God Bless Tom and all of you, and hold you in the palm of His hand. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Clarke
(Mike & Mary’s neighbor)

March 28, 2016

I have never had the pleasure of talking to your Dad, but if he was anything like you, Brian, it would have been my pleasure dealing with him. I send you and your family condolences on your loss. It is never easy to loose someone you love. Take care.
Lori @ Snavelys Mill

March 28, 2016

Thinking of your family and holding all of you in Healing Love and Light. May all the wonderful memories you share give you some comfort. Tom was a rare man of many talents and gifts. You are very blessed!
 

March 28, 2016

SO SORRY. 
We’ve had many great memories of Tom.  
Thanks for the dinners together and the laughs. We’ll stay in touch.  
Steve & Anne Farrah

March 28, 2016

Dear Nicklaus Family:
      We were saddened to hear this morning of Tom’s passing. You’re in our hearts and thoughts.
 
Brian and KIrsten Burns

Visitation
Thursday, March 31, 2016
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Visitation
Friday, April 01, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, April 01, 2016
11:00 AM
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church
2111 Millersville Pike
Lancaster, PA
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