John F. Nicklas, III

On August 16, 2022 John F. Nicklas III passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

John was born January 3, 1953 to the late John and Irene Nicklas. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Irene Nicklas, his sister Sharon Firinio, brother-in-law Albert Campbell and daughter-in-law Ashley.

John is survived by his wife of 38 years Kimberly Ann Nicklas (Smith), children John Nicklas IV, Keith Smith Sr, Justin Nicklas (Shannon), and Kimberly Nicklas. His grandchildren Keith Smith, Hunter Nicklas, Skylar Nicklas, and Joshua. Sister Irene Campbell, Brother Brian Nicklas (Tricia), Sister Barbara Schaeffer (Ken), Sister Anna Tharp (Ken), Brother-in-law Joe Firinio. A host of loving nieces, nephews and close friends.

John was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. He was drafted into the Navy right after high school in November 1971. He served 35 years. John spent 4 years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He worked at Bethlehem Steel as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) where he met a great friend Roy. John received certification as a registered nurse in 1984. He joined the Delaware Air National Guard, 142nd Medical Unit, where he became a Flight Nurse. John deployed multiple times to serve in the Gulf War: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He traveled the world in service to his country. He earned the rank of Lt. Col before retiring in June 2006. In his civilian career, John worked for the State of Maryland in License and Certification for 30 years; retiring in 2015.

John always loved camping and sharing golf cart rides with his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Rd. on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A funeral service for John will be held Friday evening at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VA Medical Center, https://www.va.gov/maryland-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/