Piermont, NH -- Berkley "Berk" Charles Nicol, 78, died Friday, April 5, 2019, at his son's home in Roselle Park, NJ, following a period of declining health.

Berkley was born in Warren, NH on February 19th 1941 to John H. and Marjorie (Brown) Nicol.

He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1959 where he played baseball and football for four years.  Berk went on to graduate from Concord Commercial College in 1965 and attended UNH for two years where he played baseball, was in ROTC, and the marching band. He began working at Sears part time during college and after graduation worked full time in Concord and Manchester until 1970.

Berk married Shirley Lee Bigelow on June 20, 1964.  After Shirley graduated from Plymouth State College, they made their home in Hopkinton, NH where her first teaching job was.  They loved their three years in Hopkinton where they made many wonderful friends and special memories.

In 1967, they moved to Merrimack NH where he was an accountant for Anheuser Busch for 30 years before retiring and moving back home.

While living in Merrimack, he was very active in youth sports including Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball.  He loved being a Mason and was active in the Milford Lodge and Warren Lodge.  Berk was a member of Bektash Shrine for several years.  As a member of the Exchange Club, he was instrumental in the "Cans for Kids" program.  He was very involved in the church and helped build St. James United Methodist Church at its new location in Merrimack.

He was a member of the National Guard both in Bradford, VT and Manchester, NH for several years.

His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.  When he was younger, he loved playing the trumpet.  He was very proud to have passed his instrument down to his granddaughter who continues to play in her school band.  Berk loved the New England Patriots and was a season ticket holder for over 25 years.  He enjoyed attending games and tailgating.  He loved fishing and birdwatching.  Berk treasured time spent on his porch on Lake Armington watching his birds and loons.  Hanging out with his constant companion, Melly, brought him much joy.

He was predeceased by his parents, John H. and Marjorie (Brown) Nicol; an infant sister, Janet Nicol; and his beloved dog, Chester.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Shirley Bigelow Nicol; his loving children and grandchildren, daughter, Kristen Bennett and husband Dave, and granddaughters, Amanda and Allison Bennett of Yorba Linda, CA, son, Scott Nicol and wife Jennifer (Caulfield), grandson Sean, and granddaughters, Caitlyn and Megan Nicol of Roselle Park, NJ; two brothers, Mark and  wife Shirley Nicol of Vienna, VA and John "Larry" and wife Carol Nicol of Warren, NH;  several nieces, nephews, cousins; and his beloved dog, Melly.

Calling hours will be on Monday, July 15 ^th , from 6 to 8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH.

A memorial service will be on Tuesday, July 16 ^th at 1 PM at the funeral home with Melissa Gould leading the service as Funeral Celebrant.  Burial will follow in the Warren Village Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Center for HOPE Hospice and Palliative Care in Elizabeth, NJ or to the charity of your choice.