Francis Joseph Nicholas

Pleasant Point - Francis Joseph Nicholas, 80, passed away on Saturday November 8, 2008 at Calais Regional Hospital. Francis was born to the late Joseph and Margaret (Bassett) Nicholas on April 16, 1928 in Pleasant Point where he attended school and later drove the school bus. He served 21 years in the United States Army during both the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 1971. Francis served as a Paratrooper, Drill Sergeant, and was one of the first Green Berets during the Vietnam War. After his return home he married his wife, Julia (Francis) Nicholas on February 12, 1972 in Pleasant Point. He went on to serve two terms as the Pleasant Point Tribal Governor and was also employed as manager of the North East Blueberry Company. Francis served his church as a Deacon at St. Ann R.C. Church, Pleasant Point. Besides reading, playing pinochle and watching the Redskins play, Francis’s fondest memories were the times he spent with family and friends; he never missed a single sporting event his daughters participated in. Along with his parents he was predeceased by 5 brothers, Aloysius, Hartley, John, Nelson and Jerry; 4 sisters, Rita, Veronica, Mary and Dee and a grandson, Cole William Guptill. Survivors are his wife of 36 years Julia Nicholas, four daughters, Laura Jurewicz and husband John of Perry, Starr Guptill and husband Ira of Jonesport, Jill Giggey and husband Bob of Mariaville, and Meg Nicholas and her son L.J. of Pleasant Point; brother Lane Nicholas of Pleasant Point; sister-in-laws, Emma Nicholas, Martha Nicholas and Frances Nicholas; 13 grandchildren, John Jr., Francis, Darlene, Jay, Josef, Nicholas, William, Rob, Jacob, Rachel, Zebsa, Michael, and L.J; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin Monday 2 p.m. at the home of Julia Nicholas, 99 Indian Road, Pleasant Point. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 St. Ann R.C. Church, Pleasant Point, with a graveside service with military honors to follow at Tribal Cemetery. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.


Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francis’ memory to St. Ann’s R.C. Church, PO Box 898, Calais, ME 04619.


Cemetery:
Pleasant Point Tribal Cemetery
Pleasant Point, ME 04667 (map/driving directions)



Services:
11:00AM at St. Ann Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008