John Edward Nickles, 89, the loving and beloved husband of Marjorie (Olmstead), died peacefully after a long illness in his Lexington home, surrounded by his loving family on December 15, 2018.

He was a modest and unassuming man whose passions and pursuits touched the lives of millions.

John was the firstborn son of E.B. "Nick," a mechanical engineer at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, and Anabel (Clark), a grammar school teacher for the Manitowoc WI city schools.

His childhood curiosity for how things work, notably the visible work of mechanics, the invisible work of electronics, and especially the wonders of flight, became his academic passions and the foundation of his professional career.

He became a multidisciplinary engineer with advanced degrees from Cornell University, the University of Michigan, and Northeastern University.

Early in his career, John was a member of the team that designed and engineered the Eagle of the Apollo 11 mission: the lunar module that landed safely on the moon, enabling a pinnacle moment that transfixed the world and inspired generations to reconsider the limits of human discovery; it enabled "one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind."

John's later work as a multidisciplinary engineer at the US Department of Transportation has directly saved the lives of thousands of people across the nation. His team worked on automobile safety, producing groundwork studies that led to mandatory vehicle safety features. If you are or know someone whose life was saved and injury minimized due to an airbag, John has touched your life.

These accomplishments were often unknown to those who knew John well, as he never spoke of them. His friends, family, and acquaintances will remember him for his kindness, his angelic sweetness, his quiet attention to the needs of others, his humility, and his heart-warming smile.

The undying love between him and his wife of 61 years made them inseparable as they pursued their mutual hobbies and interests. Most importantly, he was her partner in taking care of their three children, playing with them, and teaching them all sorts of skills from mathematics to water skiing.

John had many hobbies, his favorite being music. He learned to play piano under the instruction of his mother, and had a radio debut at the age of five. This early introduction to performance grew into a lifelong passion. He played cornet in marching bands from high school to the Army, and he sang tenor in many choruses, church choirs, and a barbershop quartet. Unsurprisingly, he met his wife, Marjorie, through music; as they sang in the same church choir when they attended the University of Michigan.

John also enjoyed sailing, windsurfing, hiking, skiing, bicycling, travel, and photography.

John is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his sons and their spouses: Jack and Andy of Atlanta, GA, David and Laura of Billerica; his daughter Babette of Lexington; his granddaughter Brittany and her husband Jon Chardonnet of Lowell, and his grandson David Nickles, Jr. of Billerica. He also leaves behind his brother Bill and wife Eleanor of Minneapolis, MN, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the First Parish Church in Lexington. This service is open to the public. Persons who wish to sing with the chorus are requested to arrive at 1:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any non-profit organization that promotes STEM education, or the protection of the environment.