David Nickerson

David Drake Nickerson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died peacefully on October 13, 2016. He was born on Christmas Day in 1919 at the family home in Quincy, Massachusetts, to Archer and Gertrude Nickerson.

After graduating from Quincy High School in 1937, David spent a preparatory year at Brown and Nichols prior to attending Bates College. While attending Bates, David set track records, was involved in theater and also earned his pilot’s license through the Civilian Pilot Program. He graduated with an AB degree in 1942. He joined the Navy in August 1942 and was commissioned 4 months later.

On December 6, 1942 David married Constance Blaisdell in Winchester, Mass. Together they traveled to Key West, Florida where he went to sonar school. From there David served as Sound and CIC officer on the USS Pringle in the South Pacific. He returned to the United States for Navy flight training at Pensacola, Florida and earned his wings of gold in 1945.

After the war David earned a MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business. He began a successful career in Business and Financial Management serving in positions of Treasurer, Controller, and Administrative Manager. He was an active member and President of the Boston Chapter of Financial Executive Institute (FEI).

He also taught courses in Budgeting, Accounting, and Analysis at Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering, as well as Economics and Manufacturing at Western New England College.

David cared deeply for and was always supportive of his family. He and Connie raised their children in Newton, Massachusetts. Their quality time included hiking, camping, fishing, attending large family gatherings, and vacationing in Maine. They retired to Cape Cod and provided lodging and entertainment for their daughters and grandchildren who spent many happy summers with them.  Besides being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, he was a man of many interests and talents. He always produced outstanding gardens, enjoyed building projects, tennis and especially boating. For many years Dave and Connie enjoyed sailing the coast from Maine to Florida. They traded their boat for a small RV and explored the land before moving to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

For the past 16 years, the Nickersons enjoyed winters in Florida, summers in Maine and visiting relatives. Despite failing health, David retained his dry sense of humor.  He is predeceased by son, William Nickerson and daughter, Bonney Ford.  He is survived by Constance, his wife of 73 years; daughters, Elizabeth LaRowe and Rebecca Bianchi; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  David Drake Nickerson lived his life to the fullest; he will be missed.