Dr. John H. Nickels II

DR. JOHN H. NICKELS age 72, beloved husband for 40 years of Mary Ellen (nee Fabula); loving father of Adam and Sean (wife Jess); devoted grandfather of Alice and Maverick; cherished son of the late John Sr. and Geraldyne (nee Cornell) Nickels; dearest brother of Debbie Torbush (husband Doug, deceased) and the late Pamela Nickels; dear uncle of 4 and great-uncle of 2.

John was born on January 20, 1954, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Upon graduation from high school, he began his higher education in medicine. John moved to Cleveland to serve his residency at Huron Road Hospital in East Cleveland. There he met a nurse and the love of his life, Mary Ellen, and the two married on November 9, 1985.

A natural caregiver, John's patients adored him, and it was through both his words and actions that they knew he truly cared about them and improving their lives.

It was amongst the ocean that his adventurous spirit began, as boating or scuba diving would become two of his favorite hobbies. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan, but he never stopped cheering on his Florida Gators. When he wasn't out on the water, he enjoyed skiing and golfing.

Though he and Mary Ellen tried to escape the cold winters in Florida, he could never be without their grandkids for too long. His favorite thing in the world was being a "Papa" to Alice and Maverick, and taking care of his well-loved dog, Gidget, "the little troublemaker."

John was a loving and kind man who was always quick to laugh and put a smile on your face and it is with great sadness that we announce his passing on February 16, 2026.

He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and patients. will be missed by all who knew him.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of John Friday, February 27, 2026, at The Aberdeen Community Center, 5891 Aberdeen Blvd., Highland Heights, OH 44143, from 4-9PM.