Thomas J. Nicholson, 72, of Williamsport, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at UPMC Williamsport.
A native of Williamsport, he was predeceased by his parents William T. and Frances R. Nicholson; and his sister, Louise M. Nicholson. Surviving are two brothers, Walter A. Nicholson (Patricia), of Williamsport, and William R. Nicholson (Connie) of Midland, Mich., and nephew, Andrew S. Nicholson.
Tom was a graduate of the Williamsport Area High School. He held a B.S. in geological science with honors from Penn State University, and M.S. in geology (hydrogeology) from Stanford University.
A registered Professional Geologist, he served in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for 45 years, and as a Senior Technical Advisor in its Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research for 41 of those years. His principal responsibility was providing expert technical advice on radionuclide transport in the environment and was the NRC liaison to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academies of Science. As a senior project manager, he formulated and directed numerous research studies and authored many technical papers. Internationally known for his expertise, he consulted and wrote technical reports for the NRC on important issues, including the Three Mile Island and Fukushima Daiichi events, and co-edited a book, Groundwater Vulnerability, Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, in 2015. He was an active member of many national and international professional geological and hydrological organizations including The American Geophysical Union, and The International Association of Hydrological Sciences.
Tom was a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church, Williamsport, where he enjoyed singing in the choir, and helping with the First Saturday community dinner outreach. A U.S. Army Veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post #1. His favorite activity outside of work was learning about, and visiting historical sites with his family.
A Service of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 1, 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Mulberry Street, Williamsport, with his rector, the Rev. Kyle Murphy officiating. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery.
The family will provide the flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Mulberry Street Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed on Tom’s memorial page at http://www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com.
