Richard Allen Nicholas

1947 ∼ 2020

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Richard Allen Nicholas, 72, of Deer Park, Texas passed away June 2, 2020. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas on June 16, 1947 to the late Edmond James Nicholas and Elner Mae Landry Nicholas. Early in his maritime career, Richard became the youngest Captain in the Exxon fleet. Towards the ends of his career, he became Commodore of the Sea River fleet, which is the title given to the most senior Captain. Richard was the Captain on the Exxon Boston and Sea River Jamestown. He loved his time on the seas and his many adventures.

Those left to cherish Richard’s memory are his son, Derek Nicholas and his wife Victoria of Manvel; his brother Robert “Bobby” Nicholas and his wife Linda of Port Neches; and his sister-in-law, Malinda Nicholas of Stafford. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, James Raymond “Ray” Nicholas.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Saturday June 6, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service being held at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

Memorial Video

Condolences

Martin - S. October 10, 2023

Martin - S. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Richard Allen Nicholas.

John Krousouloudis March 12, 2022

Just found out about Richard. I sailed with him many times on the Exxon Princeton. Great Captain and great to work with. Sad to hear he has left us.

David Ridrigues August 22, 2020

I just learned yesterday that Richard passed away in June. I sailed as his chief mate on many voyages along the East and Gulf Coasts and always had the upmost respect for him. Richard and his best friend Ron Tarpey were very instrumental in me being selected to be a member of the Houston Pilots Association and I will be forever thankful to both of them. I so wish that I had taken the opportunity to stop by to see Richard in Deer Park and chat with him and once again express my gratitude for all that he did for me and my family. He was one of the “good guys” that I sailed with during my seagoing career and he demonstrated that a Captain can be both fair and understanding to the crew as well as the master of the vessel. Good for you Richard in leaving a legacy as to how it should be done. Until we meet again Captain may you rest in the glorious holding grounds of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Richard Gardner June 6, 2020

Richard was a fellow classmate at Texas Maritime Academy although 2 years ahead of me. We sailed together on several Exxon ships during our careers. Highlight was after we had retired & he & Dereck came & stayed with me on the Mississippi gulf coast & Derek bonded with my twin boys (Glenn & Greg).

Melancon'S Funeral Home June 5, 2020

Melancon's Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of Richard Allen Nicholas

Craig Dalton June 5, 2020

Derek and Victoria, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing. He was a long time friend throughout my career with Exxon and SeaRiver. He and I teamed up many many times as we worked our way up the ranks, most of them on the BOSTON prior to and during the Hondo days or the JAMESTOWN in the late 90s. He was always a pleasure to sail with and one of the good captains to serve under. I wish we had stayed closer over the years after I retired. I still have a bunch of Corvette stuff for him on my desk, that was never sent....."Can't drive 55" was one of his frequent sayings. I can still hear him in the Captain's office next door, working on his "gun projects". I know I can speak for all his shipmates here in Massachusetts (He never could say that state name correctly): John Christensen, Linda Letourneau and Marie Huhnke, that you guys are in our thoughts and prayers. I will forever regret not having the chance to meet you both and catch up on old times with Richard. God Bless. Craig and Verna Dalton

Craig Dalton June 5, 2020

5 files added to the album Memories Album

Anonymous June 5, 2020

A sympathy card was purchased for the family of Richard Allen Nicholas.

Jerry Patterson June 5, 2020

With deepest sympathy to the family of Captain Richard Nicholas. Your long fight is over, the roiling seas now calm. you are safely anchored now, protected from further harm. The order has been given, finished with engines was the call, your strength and preparedness to this safe harbor was awe inspiring to us all. To those of us who addressed you as Captain and a friend, this journey is a beginning, certainly not and end, for some where on a distant shore we shall all meet again. Until then you will be warmly remembered and sorely missed by all. Jerry Patterson

Janie Fleming June 4, 2020

Dear Derek and Victoria, my deepest condolences to the both of you. I had the honor of meeting Richard at the wedding. He was so proud of you two. I know he will be missed, gone far too young.... Love and prayers, Aunt Janie

Mary Kay Grant June 4, 2020

Derek and Victoria, I extend my deepest sympathy to both of you. It’s so hard to lose one’s Father, and I pray that you feel comforted by Family, Friends, and cherished memories. God bless you both with peace, at this time of loss. Love, Aunt Mary Kay

Patrick Grant June 4, 2020

A true gentleman in every way. Richard will be long remembered. Our sincere condolences to the family. Patrick and Becca Grant

Ron Tarpey June 4, 2020

He was my best friend, have know him for 47 years, he was my best man at my wedding to Phoebe. Richard and I sailed together on on a number of ExxonMobil ships, always treated his crew members with respect and dignity. I will miss him dearly, he was like a brother to me, smooth seas and following seas my friend.

Ron Floyd June 4, 2020

I sailed with Richard many years ago, great memories. A fine man and a great Aggie.

Stu Mcrobbie June 4, 2020

A fine, wonderful, professional man and co-worker. Open, honest and candid in all of his dealings and so well respected by his peers. I always enjoyed our interactions, both professional and personal. Condolences to his family and may Richard forever sail smooth and serene seas. He will be missed.

Lisa Lewis-Novominsky June 4, 2020

Praying for Derek, Victoria and the family. My dear friend Richard, I will miss you dearly.

event Visitation

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627

directions Get Directions

schedule Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

event Funeral Service