George Arnold Nicholson

George (Arnie) Nicholson was born on December 6th, 1937 and grew up in Huntington, Long Island, NY with his parents and siblings until he was twelve years old. The family moved to Coral Gables, FL in 1950.

George joined the U.S Coast Guard at seventeen years old. Soon after, he met his wife, Dorothy Mae McKinney, in 1955. The couple married on April 2nd, 1956 in Coral Gables, FL. George became the youngest First Class in the Coast Guard at the time.

Dorothy & George welcomed their first daughter, Linda Irene, on September 12th, 1958 and a second daughter, Cynthia Ann, on August 3rd, 1960.

He was transferred to New London, CT in March of 1963. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer 1 & 2 while stationed in CT. On December 19th, 1966, the couple welcomed their son, Sean Patrick.

They were later transferred to Boston, MA for a year and then four years in Portland, ME where he was stationed on the Cutter Cowslip.

George obtained the rank of Warrant Officer 4 and was promoted to Lieutenant. He retired after 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1976.

After retirement, he became the Shipyard Superintendent for Thunderbolt Marine in Savannah, GA and later moved to Mount Pleasant, SC to manage a shipyard there.

In 1982, he was offered a job as Country Manager for an offshore company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This position provided him with the opportunity for adventure and the privilege of connecting with people from all over the world. George and Dorothy’s son, Sean, joined them in Dubai in 1983 where after a couple of years he became a ship Captain and also traveled the world.

George additionally became Country Manager in Trinidad, Venezuela, Azerbaijan and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The couple had numerous adventures traveling around the world – experiences that most can only dream of. George’s career afforded both he and Dorothy opportunities to live in numerous countries, learn from diverse cultures and apply lessons from the friends they made worldwide to the way in which they lived their own lives.

The family continued to grow with the birth of their first granddaughter, Summer, and her brother, Joshua, to their daughter, Linda, and her husband, Stacy Bagal. In 1995, their youngest granddaughter, Danielle, was born and adopted by their daughter, Cynthia. The couple now has a great granddaughter, Ariel, who is the daughter of Summer Bagal Conway & Kevin Conway.

George was retired in his later years but still consulted for Intermarine in Houston, TX until a couple of years ago. He remained as a mentor and adviser to many up until his final days here with us.

George is preceded in death by his father and mother, George Ambrose Nicholson and Nellie Hurd Nicholson, his sister, Margaret Nicholson, brother, John Nicholson and brother, Glenn Nicholson. He is also preceded by his most beloved pugs, Shadow and Mack.

George is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Dorothy Nicholson. Daughter, Linda Nicholson Bagal and son-in law, Stacy Bagal. Granddaughter, Summer Bagal Conway, grandson, Joshua Bagal and great-granddaughter, Ariel Conway. Daughter, Cynthia Nicholson and granddaughter, Danielle Nicholson. Son, Sean Nicholson and granddaughter, Elle Nicholson. Furry friends, Cinnamon and Mango.

He is also survived by three of his brothers, Michael Nicholson, Douglas Nicholson and Thomas Nicholson along with their spouses, children and grandchildren.

George was so proud of his family and all they’ve become and continue to accomplish. He was a wonderful, caring man who had a way of making every person he interacted with feel important and valued. George loved others regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, religion or political views. He served as a mentor to many young people and he always enjoyed speaking with them and supporting the dreams they had for their lives.

God truly broke the mold when he made George – he was one in a million. He will be truly missed, but with confidence we know that his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Goodbye for now, George. Until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that a memorial donation be made to either Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

To donate to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please see the link listed below. Be sure to click “dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” and share that the donation is in memory of George Nicholson. You do not need to include a recipient in your donation.

https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout

To donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children, please see the link listed below. Be sure to click “dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” and share that the donation is in memory of George Nicholson. The gift should be directed to SHC - Tampa.

https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/273578/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=16Qqzrzq17.PYR8r.tIv5tuggzV2Tko.6xD3cf5HrUk-1640103496-0-gaNycGzNEX0#!/donation/checkout