John Nicholson: A Life of Strength, Service, and Love
Early Life & Background
John Nicholson was born on December 1, 1960, in Queens, New York, to Maryann and John Nicholson. As the oldest of three siblings, John grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and adventure. His childhood was filled with fond memories of traveling upstate with his family to their vacation house, where he loved playing in the barn and working at a dairy farm owned by a man named Bruce. Summers spent in Florida with his Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Janis, along with hunting and fishing trips with his father, nurtured his lifelong passion for the outdoors. Whether it was riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or anything that kept him active, John was always happiest when he was outside.
John’s grandfather, Walter, was a skilled craftsman who renovated an entire home, and John inherited his ability to build and create. This early exposure to craftsmanship would later influence his career and passions in life.
Education & Career
John attended Catholic school throughout his early years and graduated from Holy Cross High School in Long Island, New York. He was an active student, playing football for the Rosedale Jets and participating in Little League baseball. While he excelled in English and writing, he had less interest in math and science.
After high school, John attended Nassau Community College for two years before taking the Nassau County police officer exam. He was accepted into the police academy and soon began his career in law enforcement. John’s work ethic was evident from a young age, having started a paper route at 10 years old and working for a soda distributor alongside his best friend, Alan, during high school. Before becoming a police officer, he also worked as an electrician.
At age 25, John joined the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD). His dedication and instinct quickly set him apart, and after just three years, he was hand-selected to join the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO). As part of the elite SWAT Entry team, he trained with the best, eventually becoming a team sniper. John worked as a plainclothes officer, earning multiple awards and honors, including Top Cop of the Month numerous times. He made history as the only officer to receive Top Cop of the Year for two consecutive years.
In addition to his law enforcement career, John pursued his passion for construction, founding Atlantic Shores Construction in 2004. As a licensed general contractor, he built stunning residential homes and mansions on Long Island. He retired from the BSO in 2006 but continued his work in construction, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully crafted homes.
Family & Relationships
John was married once to Patricia Trama, with whom he shared four children. Growing up across the street from each other, their relationship lasted 23 years. As a father, John was devoted and loving to his marraige, though he had little patience for nonsense. He took immense pride in his children, always encouraging them to be hardworking, honest, and resilient.
John’s greatest joy came from watching his children grow and succeed. He coached his son Cameron’s softball team, attended every sports game, concert, and ceremony, and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. No matter what challenges arose, his family knew they could always depend on him. Even when upset, John would show up without hesitation to help his loved ones.
Personality & Passions
John was known for his no-nonsense attitude and strong moral compass. At work, he always had a smile on his face and was widely regarded as one of the nicest and most reliable officers. His colleagues often described him as having a "third eye"—an uncanny ability to spot criminals before they acted.
He was passionate about the outdoors, spending his free time fishing, hunting, and boating. A die-hard Miami Dolphins fan, he loved discussing sports with his sons John Brian and Cameron. He was also a devoted New York Mets and Islanders fan. His love for music was undeniable, with Aerosmith as his favorite band. He was often caught singing Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen while using a broomstick as a makeshift guitar.
John had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and took immense pride in his work. Whether building homes or fixing things around the house, he lived by the belief that anything worth doing was worth doing well.
Challenges & Triumphs
Balancing work and family was always a challenge for John, as he genuinely loved working. His hardest transition in life was retiring from law enforcement, a job he adored beyond words.
In 2008, John was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he courageously fought and overcame within a year. However, in 2011, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and later, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to years of smoking. In 2020, while receiving an MS infusion in the hospital, he contracted COVID-19, which developed into pneumonia. Complications from his MS and COPD led to his passing.
Despite these hardships, John remained steadfast and resilient. He never backed down from adversity, standing up for himself and others whenever necessary. He was known for his intolerance of dishonesty and had no patience for criminals or bullies. His strength, both physically and mentally, was unmatched.
Legacy & Impact
John’s impact was evident at his funeral, where hundreds gathered to honor his memory. He was affectionately called "Superman" by many who admired his strength and character. His former sergeant praised his exceptional instincts, describing him as someone who could spot wrongdoing from a mile away.
He left behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and love. His children embody the values he instilled in them—honesty, hard work, and perseverance. His craftsmanship lives on in the homes he built, and his influence endures in the countless lives he touched.
How He Should Be Remembered
John Nicholson should be remembered as a devoted father, an exceptional police officer, a loving husband, and the strongest man anyone who knew him had ever met. He found joy in being a father and took immense pride in serving his community. His presence was a source of strength and safety for his family and colleagues alike.
Though he is no longer physically here, his legacy will continue to live on through his family, his work, and the countless stories of those who had the honor of knowing him.
John Nicholson was, and always will be, a true hero.
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