Donald Thomas “Mr. Nick” Nicholson, 85, of Paxton, passed away at his home at approximately noon on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rhoda Nicholson (née Owens); his son, Donald, Jr. and his wife Cynthia, of Lancaster; his daughter, Anne and her husband John, of Chelmsford; his daughter, Jacqueline and her husband Patrick, of Lowell, and his grandchildren: Andrew, Benjamin, Heather, Joshua, John and Zachary.

He also leaves two brothers: Rev. John Nicholson of Worcester and James Nicholson of Penn.; five sisters: Sister Anne Patrick Nicholson SND, Anne Marie Kiritsy, Catherine R. Reen, Mary Nicholson, all of Worcester, and Margaret Menard of Framingham; and many nephews and nieces.

A graduate of St. John’s High School and St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, with a Master’s degree in English and Education from Clark University, he taught high school English for 36 years at Shrewsbury High School.

An avid sports fan, Donald passionately followed all Boston sports teams to the end of his days.

He served and was honorably discharged from the United States Navy during World War II, earning a Victory Medal for his service. He was a communicant and lector at St. Columba’s Parish in Paxton.

His greatest love in life was spending time with and hearing about the exploits of his six grandchildren, for whom he would always have a story prepared.

Calling hours are Thursday, September 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, September 2, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church, 18 Richards Ave., Paxton. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284–9168.