Richard D. “Rich” Nicklas, age 77, of Braintree, formerly of Quincy, died unexpectedly, Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, in the arms of his loving wife and children.

Richard was born in Quincy, to the late Alexina “Tina” (Lausier) and John G. “Jack” Nicklas, Jr. Raised in Quincy, he was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School, Class of 1966. He later graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1975 and was also a graduate of the Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program in 1978. He lived in Braintree for forty-six years, previously in Quincy.

Rich was proud to have served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

Rich was employed as a Senior Surgical Physician Assistant for Harvard Vanguard for over forty years and was still practicing part-time. It was a job he loved and he considered his patients to be his friends. Over the years, he was able to save several lives by assisting with CPR for people having sudden medical events at churches and other locations.

He enjoyed his cigars, spending time with his wife on the deck, and day trips with family to view the ocean. He was an avid Boston sports fan and loved watching the games with his children. As a young man, Rich was an excellent baseball player and volunteered for many years at the Cotting School in Boston, now Lexington, coaching students, and his children in all types of sports. He treasured his remarkable Golden Retriever, Bonnie.

Rich had a great love of music and with his family attended many concerts, most recently, The Who. He enjoyed Classic Rock & Roll and his favorite artists included The Moody Blues, The Beatles, and John Lennon.

Most of all, Richard was devoted to his family – his dear wife, Tina, his children, and especially his grandchildren, actively supporting all their many activities and accomplishments.

Beloved husband for fifty-three years of Kristina R. “Tina” (Swanson) Nicklas.

Devoted father of Richard D. Nicklas, Jr. of Braintree and his twin the late David Nicklas, Andrew J. Nicklas and his wife Yoshie of Sharon, Kathryn C. “Katie” Doyle and her husband Alexander of Braintree, and Sarah L. Nicklas of Braintree.

Loving grandfather of Charlie, Elle, Clara, and Hannah.

One of seven siblings, Rich was the dear brother of John G. “Jack” Nicklas III and his wife Pat of Plymouth, Suzanne M. Palmer and her husband Donald of Milford, Gerald J. Nicklas and his wife Therese of Quincy, Paul J. Nicklas and his husband David Higgins of Milton, the late Joan H. Fulton and her late husband Archie, and the late Nancy L. Nicklas.

Rich is also survived by many nieces, nephews, their families, friends, and colleagues.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Tuesday, October 28, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Wednesday, October 29, at 10 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Richard Nicklas Memorial College Fund, to benefit his grandchildren’s college pursuits, at https://gofund.me/13aff45e8.