J. Russell Nicolas Jr., age 63 of New Milford, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at New Milford Hospital. Mr. Nicolas was born in New Haven, December 25, 1946, son of J. Russell Sr. and Ruth Selmquist Nicolas. He attended New Haven schools and graduated from Hamden High School in 1964 and from Southern. State University in 1968. Mr. Nicolas joined the staff of New Milford High School in 1968 as a History teacher and retired in 2000, after 32 years of teaching. During his 42 years as a resident of New Milford, he was involved in many community activities. For several years, he was a member of the former Board of Selectmen. He joined the Lions Club in 1974, serving as secretary in 1978, and becoming president in 1982-1983. He continued to be active, serving as historian and wrote the cover letter for their 75th anniversary book. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the John Pettibone Memorial Scholarship Committee since 1992. The committee awards scholarships to New Milford High School seniors, and his role was to pre-screen applications and schedule interviews. For the past two years, he served as one of three board managers of Harry-brooke Park, a private park in New Milford. Mr. Nicolas is survived by a sister, Malin Atnes and her fianc�, Ted Sarris of Cheshire; a brother, Robert Nicolas and his wife, Janice of Hamden; three nephews, Brian (Nancy) Atnes of Manasquan, N.J., Kevin Atnes of Cheshire, and Michael (Jessica) Atnes of Southington; a great-nephew, Justin Atnes; a great-niece, Peyton Atnes, both of New Jersey; and many cousins. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. in the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery, New Milford. Friends may call in the Lillis Funeral Home on Friday, May 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to Harrybrooke Park, P.O. Box 364, New Milford, CT 06776.


Published in News Times on May 20, 2010