Joseph Eugene Nicklin

Joseph “Papa Joe” Nicklin, 82, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at his home in Snug Harbor, NC. A retired mechanical engineer, his had a life well-lived, full of adventure, travel, laughter, and deep love for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for life.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Barbara Nicklin, daughters Rebecca King (husband Craig) of Canisteo, NY and Barbara “B.J.” Nicklin, (husband Jay Stotzky) of Hertford, NC, grandchildren Andrew (wife Eryn, sons Arthur and Alistair), Elizabeth (husband Edgar Reynosa, son Daniel) and Sarah King and Dante Nicklin (husband Ahmad Algondbany), three great-grand-children and three siblings: Terry White, William Nicklin, and Richard Nicklin (wife Darla). He was preceded in passing by his son Robert “Bubba” Nicklin, brothers James and John Nicklin, and sisters Anna Marie Black and Mary Jean Smith.

Born July 14, 1942 in Franklin, PA, Joe began his journey at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, graduated from Franklin High School, and later attended Fenn College (Cleveland State University), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

A dedicated and hardworking man, he spent 26 years working as a mechanical engineer for Alcan Aluminum in Oswego, NY, as well as 4 years at Hewlets Aluminum Company in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. His career was built on precision and ingenuity, but his life was built on adventure and love.

His passion for travel took him and his wife across the globe to five continents with extended time living in Brazil and South Africa. Each place added to the depth of his experiences and the stories he shared, embracing different cultures and making lasting friendships along the way. He was also an avid sailor for many years, taking countless family vacations on their sailboat “Grumpy”, never losing his love of the water.

In retirement he found joy in the simple pleasures of life and found a second act at Bubba’s Beach Club in Virginia Beach, VA, from 1988 to 2004, carrying on the legacy left by his son. Whether leaving the crowd chair dancing to YMCA or carrying on the tradition of shooting the boot (drinking from his shoe), Papa Joe created spaces filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.

Beyond his professional and adventurous spirit, he was a man devoted to his community. He believed in service, faith, and camaraderie and gave back in ways that mattered. He was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, a sixteen year sponsor/advisor for Junior Achievement, served on the Snug Harbor Board of Directors for six years which earned him the “Good Neighbor” Award, and was a 30+ year advocate and supporter for Lee’s Friends in Norfolk, VA, and other cancer charities in Hampton Roads including Bubba’s Angels, the 501(c)3 charity he established in honor of his son, Robert “Bubba” Nicklin for cancer patients and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home Chapel, Hertford, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lee’s Friends at https://leesfriends.org/

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Nicklin family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com