Mark Nicholson Sr. was born to Ocie Lee and Essig Curry Nicholson Sr. on May 2, 1960 in Boston Massachusetts. He was the youngest child of 14 siblings earning him the nicknames “Buck” (as in the buck stops here) and “Buckie Beave.”

On April 14, 1963, Ocie and Essig dedicated Mark back to the Lord and he was baptized at the United Church of First Born of The Living God in Boston. It was not long before Mark grew up and graduated from Boston Trade High School in June of 1979 leaving his fond memories of Dudley Street behind and went off to complete a year of college at Northeastern University before joining the United States Airforce in November of 1981. Within that time frame is also when Mark made the most important decision of his life and changed his role over from little brother to husband, and married the love of his life Francine on November 14, 1981.

Mark served in the United States Air Force 15 years rising through the ranks to ultimately become Staff Sergeant Mark Nicholson. The title Sergeant was a far cry from the “Buckie Beave” of his childhood. During his tenure in the armed forces, Mark completed two tours of duty in Desert Storm and Desert Shield working on F-16 “Fighting Falcon” single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircrafts and F-117 “Nighthawk” single-seat, twin-engine stealth attack aircrafts. During his tenure he earned many awards and accolades including: an Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; a two Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award; a one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal; a three Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal; a National Defense Service Medal; a two Bronze Service Star South west Asia Service Medal; a Kuwait Liberation Medal; a Non-commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon; and an Air Force Training Ribbon. Staff Sergeant Mark Nicholson was honorably discharged in 1995 and in 1996 he brought his unrelenting work ethic to the United States Postal Service where he worked up until his last days.

However, the highest achievement Mark accomplished was within his 37 year union with Francine which produced his three children, who were his pride and joy. Mark often took on the role of father and husband with his whole family extending his generosity, encouragement, selflessness and protection well beyond the four walls of his immediate family unit. Above all, family was the most important thing in Marks life and feeding his family was one of his number one priorities, as he was nothing short of Sergeant in his kitchen. Everyone knew when they heard the sound of his jazz CDs billowing that the “Grill Master” was at work and dinner would soon be served.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Ocie Lee Nicholson and father Essig Curry Nicholson Sr. and two elder brothers, Essig C. Nicholson Jr. and William “Nick” Nicholson. He leaves behind his faithful wife, Francine; his children: Cynthia (Noah) Jones, Mark Nicholson Jr, and Samantha Nicholson; his grandson, Christian Jones; brothers: Arthur (Betty) Stokes, Carson Stokes, Larry (Denise) Stokes and Ronald (Juanita) Stokes; Sisters: Lottie Conley, Pearline (Eddie) Cherry, Marionetta (Roderick) Keeler, Ella (Shade) Twitty, Phyllis (Marcus) Bennett, Barbara Nicholson, and Denise Nicholson; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends. He also leaves behind his four legged companion Tigger whom many say is just a puppy; but Mark called his “grown man (dog)”.

Mark Nicholson Sr. will be greatly missed! Job Well Done! Thy Good and Faithful Servant!

A Viewing will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00am followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 O’clock at Bethel Pentecostal Church 112 Humboldt Ave. Dorchester, MA 02121

Interment: Massachusetts National Cemetery Bourne
Burial with Military Honors on Monday, 12/17/2018 at 11:30am

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Riley-Antoine Funeral Home

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