Cmdr. John Nuckel, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
Cmdr. John  Nuckel, Jr.August 10, 1920 - April 24, 2009

Cmdr. John Nuckel, Jr. U.S.N. Ret.
Savannah- John Nuckel, Jr., 88, died April 24, 2009 at home surrounded by family and friends. Commander Nuckel was born in Phoenixville, PA on August 10, 1920, the son of the late Colonel John Nuckel and Edith J. Widdicombe Nuckel.
John graduated from Penn State University in 1942 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. While at Penn State, he played on the Nittany Lions football team serving as their quarterback. In 1972, he received his M.S. degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia.
John served his country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of W.W. II and the Korean Conflict. In W.W. II, he was a member of the construction battalion known as the Seabees. Most of his time was spent in the Pacific and Asiatic theatres, including tours of duty on Midway, Okinawa, Guam, Saipan and Tinneman. After his marriage in 1953, all of his service was in the American Theatre with the exception of a two year tour in Yokosuka, Japan. His tours took him from New York, New York to Coronado, California and Washington State. In 1964, his final tour of duty was NAS Glynco in Brunswick, GA. In 1967, he and his family moved for the last time to Savannah, GA. John retired from the city of Savannah in 1982 after serving as Administrator and later Director of the Water and Sewerage Department. In 1982, after his second retirement, he was recruited as an engineering consultant in the major renovations and additions to the new International Savannah Airport.
John was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Crusader's Sunday School Class for 44 years. In addition, John was a member of Grace's Men's Bowling Team. He belonged also to the Coastal Heritage Society, the Pennsylvania and Georgia Society of Civil Engineers, the Alumni Associations of both Penn State and the University of Georgia. He was also a member of the Retired Seabees Association and the Savannah Area of Military Officers.
He actively supported many charitable organizations with particular attention to the Georgia Sheriffs Youth Homes, many veteran organizations, as well as several children organizations.
After his wife's death in 2006, John became a regular member of the lunch group at the Exchange Tavern and Restaurant where he held many people there as dear friends.
During the last nine months of his illness, he was fortunate to have had three excellent and loving caretakers; Myra Burney, Julia Jenkins, and Thomasina Bragg.
John is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Rebecca Smith Nuckel.
Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Patty and Jim Jennings and Joan N. Padilla; four grandchildren, Sarah Hollingsworth, John Paul Padilla, Rebecca and Emily Jennings.
Visitation: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church.
Burial: 1:30 p.m. in Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors.
Remembrances: Grace United Methodist Church, 6412 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

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Dear Joan, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful father, my father's best friend. From everything my dad said of him he must have been an incredible guy, smart and the best friend a guy could have! Dad used to call him 'Nuckel,' with a smile on his face recalling adventures they shared while at Penn State so long ago. How I wish I could have met him! My dad had the utmost respect and love for your father and always spoke fondly of him. He must have been quite a guy. Once again I am so sorry for your loss, but know that he will always be with you in the love you shared. It was good to talk with you on the phone the other day, Joan. Please know that you and your family are always welcome in our home out here in Montana. In deepest sympathy, Robin Morris

- Robin Morris, Bozeman, MT

PATTY AND JOANIE, I AM VERY SORRY THAT YOUR FATHER HAS PASSED.I THOUGHT VERY HIGHLY OF HIM.

- JOHN HOOD, SAVANNAH, GA

Patty and Joanie, I was sorry to read of the death of your Dad in the paper. I know you will miss him terribly. Remember the good times and bless you and your families. Your friend, Maureen

- Maureen Farrell Eason, Savannah, GA

Joanie, I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a real gentleman and it was my pleasure knowing him.

- Gerald and Connie Padilla, Pueblo, CO

Mr. Nuckel was a long time friend of our family, he will be missed.

- Suzanne Denhard Edenfield, Savannah, GA