FRANCIS J. NICHOLAS

PLEASANT POINT – Francis Joseph Nicholas, 80, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Calais Regional Hospital. Francis was born April 16, 1928, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Bassett) Nicholas in Pleasant Point, where he attended school and later drove the school bus. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army during both the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring as a sergeant first class in 1971. Francis served as a paratrooper, drill sergeant and was one of the first Green Berets during the Vietnam War. After his return home, he married his wife, Julia (Francis) Nicholas, Feb. 12, 1972, in Pleasant Point. He went on to serve two terms as Pleasant Point Tribal Governor and was also employed as manager of North East Blueberry Co. Francis served his church as a deacon at St. Ann R.C. Church, Pleasant Point. In addition to reading, playing pinochle and watching the Redskins play, Francis’s fondest memories were the times he spent with family and friends; he never missed a single sporting event his daughters participated in. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Aloysius, Hartley, John, Nelson and Jerry; four sisters, Rita, Veronica, Mary and Dee; and a grandson, Cole William Guptill. Survivors are his wife of 36 years, Julia Nicholas; four daughters, Laura Jurewicz and husband, John, of Perry, Starr Guptill and husband, Ira, of Jonesport, Jill Giggey and husband, Bob, of Mariaville and Meg Nicholas and her son, L.J., of Pleasant Point; brother, Lane Nicholas of Pleasant Point; sisters-in-law, Emma Nicholas, Martha Nicholas and Frances Nicholas; 13 grandchildren, John Jr., Francis, Darlene, Jay, Josef, Nicholas, William, Rob, Jacob, Rachel, Zebsa, Michael and L.J.; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation will begin 2 p.m. Monday at the home of Julia Nicholas, 99 Indian Road, Pleasant Point. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at St. Ann R.C. Church, Pleasant Point, with a graveside service with military honors afterwards at Tribal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francis’ memory to St. Ann’s R.C. Church, P.O. Box 898, Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements made by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolence and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.