Denzel Allan Nicholson

Denzel Allan “Nick” Nicholson (1939 - 2025)
It is with both heavy hearts and joyful memories that we say goodbye to Denzel Allan (“Nick”) Nicholson, who passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 85. Nick lived a full life of work, hobbies and family, touching the hearts of everyone who knew him. He leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn, his two children, Kristin and Greg (Lisa), and his three adoring grandchildren, Eva, Graham, and Camille.
Born in Iowa in 1939, Nick grew up in New Hartford, a small rural town. Both of his parents spent time in the teaching profession, stressing education to Nick and his sister Judith. This led Nick to attend Cornell College and continue onward to earn a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at Northwestern University. After earning his PhD and marrying Marilyn, he embarked on a successful career at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spent most of his time at P&G’s Miami Valley Labs research and development facility. During his accomplished career, he wrote many technical articles and was the proud author of 16 patents by the end of his 30-year employment.
Nick retired early (at the age of 54) and that was when the true adventure began. He embraced his newfound time with the same zest that he had applied to his career. Whether he was fishing or playing golf with friends, reading, traveling to his second home on the coast of Alabama or attending his grandkids’ sporting events, Nick had a way of making every hobby feel like an exciting new discovery. One of his main retirement hobbies, which he shared with his wife, was the research and collection of Cincinnati art pottery. Together they authored many articles and also two books (Rookwood Bookends & Paperweights and Kenton Hills Porcelains).
Though Nick is no longer with us, his legacy of higher learning, quick wit, and quiet support will live on in all who knew him. He will be long remembered for his keen intelligence and his genuine and generous approach to all relationships and things in life.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Family and friends will gather from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11 a.m. to share stories, laughter, and memories of a unique and remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northminster Church (703 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231) or Hospice of Cincinnati (https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate/).