Danny (Dan) Leo Nicholas of Hudson, NH passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by his family, while at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack NH.

Dan was born on August 4, 1954, in San Diego, California, to Richard and Phyllis (Martin) Nicholas, both of whom predeceased him. Raised in an Air Force family, Dan grew up as a true "Air Force brat," living in Okinawa, Texas, Illinois, Arizona and the Philippines. These early years shaped the adaptability, quiet strength, and steady presence that would define him throughout his life.

Dan graduated from Wagner High School in the Philippines in 1972 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1972 to 1981. During his service, he was stationed in Hawaii, Oklahoma, Germany, and Colorado, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), Survey Party Chief. He received numerous service medals and carried his military pride with humility rather than fanfare.

For 46 years, Dan was the devoted husband of Sandra Jean (White) Nicholas. Together, they built a life grounded in commitment, partnership, and family. He was a loving and proud father to their son, Justin Daniel Nicholas, and a cherished father-in-law to Justin's wife, Bridget Nicholas of Derry, NH. Dan took great joy in being "Grandpa" to his granddaughter, Alicia Lee Nicholas whom he fondly called "Pickle".

Dan is also survived by his daughter, Christina Ciani, of California; her husband Michael and their sons, Jimmy, Christopher, and Nick; Dan's brother Steven Nicholas and wife Sarah Nicholas, along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A hardworking family man, Dan dedicated himself to providing for those he loved. After his military service, he held management positions at Cookin' Audio and Tweeter in New Hampshire before becoming Warehouse Manager at Peabody Supply in Nashua. He approached work the same way he approached life: steadily, responsibly, and without complaint.

Dan found his happiness in simple, meaningful pleasures. He loved golf, camping, scuba diving, fishing, motorcycle rides, beach life, concerts shared with Sandy and Justin, and NASCAR races with his son. Travel was a joy for him, with recent memorable trips to St. Lucia, California, and Bermuda. He lived in Colorado, Hawaii, San Diego, and New Hampshire over the years, but wherever he was, he was happiest barefoot at the beach. He had a fondness for action and war movies and a quiet appreciation for time spent with those he loved.

Those who knew Dan knew him as a thoughtful, steady presence. His family relied on him for advice, dry humor, honesty, and calm reassurance. He did not seek attention, but he was deeply felt, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

In keeping with his values and his lifelong belief in service, Dan made the generous decision to donate his body to the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine of NH in support of medical education and research.

Dan's family will honor his life with a celebration this summer.