Obituaries/Viewings
Aaron G. Nicklas | 40
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Aaron G. Nicklas, 40, of 164 E. Oil Well Street, St. Marys, passed away with his wife by his side, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois, following a 22-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma.
He was born January 26, 1984, in DuBois, the son of John and Charlotte Gorlowski Nicklas. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 2002. He attended Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was employed by the Elk County Prison for many years. He was appointed Deputy Warden of the Prison in April 2022.
On July 2, 2011, in Warren, PA, Aaron married Lacy R. Rivett, who survives.
Along with his loving wife and parents, Aaron is survived by his son, Tate; his sister, Nichole Manner (David) of Jefferson City, MO; his brother, Matthew Nicklas (Miki Quattrone) of St. Marys; mother-in-law, Brenda Gerbec (Dale) of Auburn, AL; father-in-law, Louis Rivett (Kim) of Youngsville, PA; his “grammy”, Janet Barnes of Youngsville, PA; sister-in-law, Megan Saeli (Matt) of West Brownsville, PA; brother-in-law, Cody Rivett (Hannah) of Cyclone, PA; stepsister-in-law, Danielle Gustafson (Gareth) of Chesapeake, VA and stepbrother-in-law, Brad Gerbec of Greensburg, PA. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Olivia and Megan Manner, Rylee and Mason Nicklas, Kayla, Harper and Hudson Saeli, and Henry and Charlie Rivett; as well as his dogs, Daisy and Daphne; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Aaron was preceded in death by a sister in infancy, Laura Ann Nicklas; a brother in infancy, Adam John Nicklas; maternal grandparents, Frank and Helen Gorlowski; paternal grandparents, Jim and Gertrude Nicklas; and his best friend, Lloyd.
Aaron was a gifted athlete. He played football at Lock Haven University, as well as for the DuBois Mountain Lions, where he was elected to the league’s Hall of Fame in 2023. His other interests included art, tattooing and weightlifting. He was also a talented baker and made the best chocolate chip cookies.
Everyone knew Aaron as a gentle giant. He was a selfless, loyal friend and fiercely protective over everyone he loved. After his cancer diagnosis, he remained positive and thankful that it was himself and not someone he loved. He never let the diagnosis define him, and lived by the motto of, “Always Forward.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:00AM with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, celebrating.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.
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Charlotte and Johnny,
So very sorry to hear this news. Praying for your peace and for yours and Aaron’s family.
Tony and Nancy Anderson
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart and Aaron will forever be the little boy who wanted to follow Matt and I everywhere we went. I will keep all of you in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Aaron was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met! He was a role model for so many of us at the gym. He always made me smile. Char and John I love you both. Sending all my love and sympathy your way.
My heart and prayers go out to Aaron’s family. Aaron came from such a kind and passionate family that you come across once in a lifetime. I will never forget all the great times whether it would be MMA,Football, Backyard Wrestling or just in conversation.
RIP old friend!
John, Char and family, I am so sorry to read of Aaron’s death. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Prayers to family. He was a great guy. I knew his parents from lifeteen
Sympathy and prayers to the Nicklas family. So very sorry for your loss.
Aaron was one of the best human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The world lost a good one with him. My heartfelt condolences to his beautiful wife, son, and family. I am certain his legacy will live on and he will always be watching over those he loved. Rest in peace friend
Charlotte and John
You have my condolences and I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m sending my most sincere condolences to Aaron’s family. I’m very sorry and you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
My most heartfelt condolences to Lacy, Tate, Char and John and all friends and family. Aaron was a beautiful soul and a blessing to all! I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord give you peace that passes all understanding
Upon my son playing football with Aaron, all I asked was for him (and Paul) to take care of him. He replied, “Don’t worry momma, I got him!” From that day on, he was a great mentor and friend to him and a blessing to me. He will be missed by all the lives he touched! My prayers are with all of the family.
Aaron was an amazing person and friend. He will never be forgotten. Prayers to his family!
Aaron was the kind of guy who the first time you met him, it felt like you knew him for a lifetime. He was the first person who called me when my mother passed away, I will never forget that.
Aaron was an incredible competitor. He was a role model on and off the field for many people. 4 quarters of physical football and a shared beer after. He will truly be missed. Until we meet again.