Obituary
Kenneth Nicholson, 73, passed away peacefully at home in Ocala after a short battle with cancer on May 12, 2021. Ken was born in Baltimore, MD on June 23, 1947 and relocated to Tampa, FL with his family in 1983. He began his career in construction as a Survey Party Chief for Harford County, MD and later was proud to serve as Vice President of Harford Concrete. Ken left construction and entered the insurance business in 1982. He began his insurance career with Pilot Life Insurance Company and was quickly promoted to lead their Tampa agency in 1983. In 1992, he and friend, Ed Sfeir, established their own insurance and financial services business called Sfeir, Nicholson & Associates. Ken then went on to manage his own insurance and financial services business until retiring in 2010, although he was always available to help his loyal clients.
Ken loved to travel! Road trips were his favorite, and he loved the backcountry roads. He and wife, Barbara, traveled to 41 states during their wonderful life together and had plans to complete the remaining nine prior to COVID and Ken being diagnosed with cancer. In addition to the USA, they traveled to several beautiful places such as New Zealand and Tahiti. He was an avid Tampa Bay sports fan and loved watching the Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays. It was great that all three teams did so well during Ken’s final year with us.
He formed many friendships throughout the years and was always known to tell a great story, provide sound guidance and advice, and be a great mentor, leader, and friend. He was truly one-of-a-kind, kind-hearted, and a lot of fun to be around!
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Delores Miller. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara (née Thompson); son Ken (Jeannie) Nicholson, Jr.; daughter Sian-Regan (Eric) Baxley; eight wonderful grandchildren: Bianca Sostre, Kenny and Brianna Nicholson, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Jonathan, Meghan, and Liam Baxley; sister, Debbie (Joe) Opdyke of Fallston, MD, and brothers Raymond (Cecilia) Nicholson of The Villages, FL, Chris (Darlene) Miller of Bel Air, MD, and John Miller of Parkville, MD; sisters-in-law, Bernadine (Lee) Warren of Whitehall, PA and Helen (Charles) Herr of Baltimore, MD and many nieces and nephews.
At this time the family is working on arrangements for a celebration of life service to be held in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Hospice of Marion County, American Cancer Society, or Make-A-Wish would be greatly appreciated.
Art Singleton
Our last Father’s Day together.