THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 Page 11 WONDERFUL | FROM PAGE 1 “The entire community is devastated with the news of Greg’s passing. He not only touched many lives...he also saved quite a few with his guidance, knowledge. and his ability to listen and not judge. Our thoughts are with Debbie, Jackie and Mason during this terrible time. It is also a strong reminder that this deadly virus is still with us. Be safe everyone and keep the Nickolas family in your prayers,” he said. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service today (Friday, Oct. 1) at 12:30 p.m. at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park (185 Lake St., Peabody). Besides his wife – Deborah Mae Nickolas, who works as a senior clerk at Town Hall – Nickolas leaves a son, Mason, and a daughter, Jackie Nicholas, and her fi ancé, Corey Nugent; cherished Papou of Kenzie and Corey Nugent. The Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home of Saugus is in charge of the arrangements. Town Manager “shaken up” by his death Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree emailed an emotional statement yesterday, noting that he is “personally so shaken up by the loss of Greg.” “My heart hurts for his wife Debbie and his entire family. I will continue to pray for them in their time of need. Greg was a friend and someone who dedicated his time and purpose to his family,” Crabtree said. “Greg also helped many many residents and others in need over the years. He pioneered the local and regional support and resources for those in need of support for mental illness and addiction. This in addition to all he did for the Town as the Youth and Recreational Director,” the town manager said. “His concern was always fi rst for others before himself. I will so miss Greg and the many lengthy conversations we often had. He will be so missed by everyone!” Nickolas was a lifelong town resident and a 1981 Saugus High School graduate. Prior to his appointment to the youth director’s job, he worked six years as a case worker for Saugus Public Schools. In recent years, he joined the list of past and current town employees who served on the 50-member Town Meeting. In March of 2019, four Town Meeting members in Precinct 3 elected him to fi ll out the fi nal nine months of Steven W. Murphy’s two-year term. Murphy’s seat PROUD PARENTS: Gregory Nickolas and his Deborah Mae Nickolas shared a proud moment with their son – Saugus High Honors Graduate Mason Gregory Nickolas – during the Saugus High Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) became vacant when he decided to move away. In the town’s biennial election, two years ago, Nickolas ran and got elected to his Precinct 3 seat and was going to be on the ballot in this year’s election to seek another two-year term. Former School Committee Chair and current Town Hall staff er Jeannie Meredith said he dedicated himself to his job – to the betterment of Saugus and surrounding communities. “He served in many capacities from grass root initiatives to major collaboratives with other cities and towns,” Meredith said. “Greg worked tirelessly with his efforts to seek grant funding for education, awareness, school counselors, youth risk surveys and much more. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Debbie, daughter Jackie, son Mason, his grandchildren and family.” Town offi cials heap heartfelt praise on Nickolas Board of Selectmen Chair Cogliano said that at the outset of the week he had looked forward to seeing Nickolas as a voice of wisdom at yesterday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting during the discussion of Boston’s proposal to relocate “the Methadone Mile” from Melnea Cass Boulevard to the Quality Inn adjacent to Bennet Highway in Revere/Saugus. “His insight would’ve been just what was needed at the discussion to relocate methadone mile,” Cogliano said. Cogliano regarded Nickolas as a good friend who had a profound impact on many Saugus families. “I’ve known Greg and Debbie since we were kids and our kids played sports together,” Cogliano said. All of the selectmen off ered THE YOUTH & REC TEAM: Saugus Youth & Recreation Director Gregory Nickolas with Crystal Cakounes, the Department’s program coordinator. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) time for Saugus. I have known Greg for over 20 years and he is the defi nition of a true Saugonian. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for the kids or the town for that matter. When Donna Gould decided it was time to pass the baton as the long-time organizer of Founder’s day it was Greg who immediately answered the call. “From town sports, youth HE HELPED SAVE LIVES: Saugus Youth & Recreation Director Gregory Nickolas had a reputation for reaching out to help adults as well as children facing difficult times. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) heartfelt praise for Nickolas: Board of Selectmen ViceChair Corinne Riley: “It certainly was a shock, so young and had given so much to the youth of this town. I send my condolences to Debbie and all his family. I had known Greg for years and specifi cally remember my involvement with him, along with several principals, guidance counselors from our schools, and parents who were part of the ‘Breakfast Club’ which met and tried to address the drug issues going on with our youth several years ago. Greg was always trying to keep everyone informed and up to date on drug issues that aff ected our children. He was well known to everyone, especially our kids and I am most certain Greg helped and saved many through the years. He will be missed; Saugus has lost a man who truly cared about the youth of our town.” Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini: “It is truly a heartbreaking and recreation, holiday parades, community gatherings, helping folks with addiction issues, fi eld management etc. Greg was always there to lead the charge to make Saugus a better place and Someplace Special. The news of Greg’s passing has shocked the entire community and his legacy will live on for decades to come. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Debbie, his children and his entire family. May he rest in eternal peace.” Selectman Debra Panetta: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Nickolas, someone I’ve known and worked with in Saugus for over two decades. Greg was a giving, generous, kind person who cared deeply about the Saugus residents. “He was Director at the Saugus Youth and Recreation Center, where he coordinated numerous fun and educational activities to keep Saugus children engaged. He understood the behavioral and drug issues among today’s youth and created programs to combat these issues. He continuously gave back to our Town, also serving as a Town Meeting member. I always appreciated his leadership and support for people in need. Everyone liked Greg, and he will be terribly missed. He was a wonderful man with a giant heart. My sincere condolences to his wife, Debbie, and his family.” Selectman Michael Serino: “I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Greg’s wife Deb, who I know will deeply miss him, along with the entire Nickolas family. Greg was a truly devoted person to the youth of our community for many years. Not only was Greg our Youth and Recreational Director, he would often counsel our youth in times of hardship. I know the entire community will miss him greatly.” School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge: “He was one of the best people you could ever know. He did so much to help others in need. Just a humble and amazing guy. My heart goes out to Debbie and the kids. It’s a huge loss for the entire community and he will be greatly missed by everyone.” School Committee ViceChair Ryan Fisher: “The shock that went through the town when word got out can’t really be described. Everyone was shaken. No one knew what to say. He did everything for Saugus. None of us can say we haven’t been touched by this anymore. It’s awful. My most sincere sympathies to his family and those who loved him.” School Committee member John Hatch, who, like Nickolas, had a son among this year’s Saugus High School graduating Class of 2021: “I’m just pretty upset as are many. Greg and I were close, he helped me through some personal tough times, as he did for so many. Never looking for recognition or self promotion. It’s just what he did. He was a caring loyal friend and a proud father, and husband, and a very faithful man of God.”
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