Henry “Hank” J. Nicolaus, 90 of Newcastle, passed away peacefully with his wife of 45 years by his side, on the evening of May 2, 2017. Born and raised in Hackensack, NJ, he was the fourth of five children to Henry and Margaret (McGrath) Nicolaus.

Hank went to Holy Trinity grammar and high school, graduated from from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and was ordained and served in several parishes in North New Jersey. He later completed his Masters in Social Work at Fordham University. He worked as a social worker in New Jersey schools and Kean University as a part of child study teams.

He married Bernadette Morris in 1971 and continued his career in social work in private practice. Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Newcastle, ME where they enjoyed classes at Bowdoin College. They traveled to Spain, Mexico, Portugal, France, Russia and Germany where Hank renewed ties with his family.

Hank was an avid gardener and beekeeper, and was the treasurer of the Maine State Beekeepers Association. He and Bernadette delighted in entertaining guests and serving fresh vegetables, jams and honey from the garden.

He was a Hospice volunteer in both Brunswick and Harpswell for several years; and in his later years, he was often seen walking through Damariscotta Mills rain or shine, with a big hello to all he met along the way.

Hank is survived by his wife, Bernadette of Newcastle; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am, on Thursday, May 11th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle. A time to visit with his family will take place in the church vestry from 10:30-11:00am. He will be laid to rest in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery following the service.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.