Brian C. Nickerson

With great sorrow we announce that Brian C. Nickerson, 71, died Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Charlotte Hungerford with his family by his side.

            Brian was born December 10, 1952, in Torrington, Connecticut to Charles and Colleen Connelly Nickerson. He graduated UVM with a BS in Engineering in 1976 and went on to expand the business legacy begun by his grandfather Clarence and father Charles. Working tirelessly with his brothers James (Marlene), Thomas, and Richard (Lori Shedd) he made C.H. Nickerson and Co. one of the largest and most successful water and wastewater treatment plant constructors on the east coast. It was the people aspect of the business that most motivated “Nick”, who inspired loyalty by being fiercely exacting but also by never hesitating to act to protect the wellbeing of CHN’s employees, whether by seeking out the best doctors for those afflicted by illnesses or by leveraging his resources to help them navigate difficult circumstances. He did the same for family and friends and no matter how the business grew, he never lost his willingness or desire to roll up his sleeves and grab a shovel.

            Outside of CHN, Brain was an avid golfer, snowboarder, and gardener. He loved cooking for friends at his home using his own vegetables, watching westerns, listening to Elvis, and taking rides in his classic pickup with his grandchildren to “see the cows”. He was the father (with wife of 25 years Karen Delano-Nickerson) of Lauren, Jason (Mallory), and Matthew (Rebecca) Nickerson, who succeeded him, along with his nephew Michael Nickerson, as principals of the business following his retirement in 2020. In retirement Brian greatly enjoyed long walks on the beach outside his home in Indiatlantic, Florida, and riding horses around his sister Elizabeth Wagner’s property in Aravaipa Canyon, AZ. He is survived by his brother Richard, his sister Elizabeth (Tom Wagner), his three children, five grandchildren, and his beloved nieces and nephews.  

            He will be fondly remembered for his formidable business acumen, generosity, dedication, no-nonsense humor, and love of black Stetson hats and Lucchese boots.  According to his wishes there will be a celebration of life ceremony held at his Harwinton summer home in May, with private burial to follow.