Joseph Lawrence “Larry” Nickler, Jr.
March 10, 1950 - August 18, 2026
Joseph Lawrence “Larry” Nickler, Jr., age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Born in Waynesburg, PA on March 10, 1950, he was a son of the late Joseph L. Nickler, Sr. and Helen Nickler Horsey. Larry made his career in trucking for Teamsters. He was also part owner of the Village Pub Prime Times Room in Newark.
Larry loved going to his beach place in Fenwick Island. He spent countless hours on the water, boating, crabbing, and fishing. In his spare time, Larry could often be found watching horse racing, football, and TV.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his nephew, Sean M. Sapp of Statesboro, GA. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 41 years, Debra Tome Nickler; brothers, Jim Baker of Millsboro, and Dave Nickler (Sherry) of Elkton, MD; sisters, Janet McCarns (Jerry) of Newark, Carol Sapp (Buddy) of Statesboro, GA, Judy Kelly (Joe) of Elkton, MD, Rhonda Ferro (Danny) of Millsboro, and Lori Nickler of Millsboro; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, 3300 Lancaster, Avenue, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online by clicking here; or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online by clicking here; or to the AccentCare Hospice Foundation, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.
Stephanie Ann Langell
We had crabs, lunch, and some good times with you and Deb. Rest easy my friend see you later
David Nickler
Great since of humor fun to be around lived life his way will be truly missed
Rhonda Ferro
He loved life and loved to laugh. It gives me some peace knowing he is with mom and dad. I will miss you so much.
Christopher Amalfitano
Remember hosting me and Jackie for crabs at the beach house. Also supplying my buddy Fred at the beach with crabs. Debbie, hope you are getting through this – assume gracefully. Miss those days.
Kristine Tome
Aunt Debbie – I am here for you – if I can help you let me know.
Susan Harrell Whaley
To Janet and all of Larry’s family,
Earl and I are so sorry to hear about Larry and your loss. I am so blessed to have grown up around your family, and I have so many wonderful memories of Janet, your parents and all of you. Every time I think of Larry, it makes me laugh. He always was so funny and was always joking around, and I will always remember him. Earl and I will be keeping you all in our thoughts, prayers and sending our love and hugs to you all. We are so sorry that we will not be able to be there to show you our support during this difficult time, but we will be there with you all in spirt. God bless you all.
Earl and Susan Harrell Whaley
Christiana High School Classes of 1972 and 1971
Sebastian, FL
Elizabeth Allen
Am SISTER to LARRYS MOTHER HELEN. WILL NEVER FORGET HIs great sense of humor.Always had a grin on his face.All around nice guy. Jokingly called me aunt dizzy lizzie, made me laugh. He will be missed by this family. So sorry hes gone the family surely miss him. kind of person only 1 of a kind. Goodbye dear heart will always remember you!