Antonio “Tony” Rafael Nicolas, 81, of Pearland, TX, was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 24, 2024. Born on October 31, 1943, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, he was the cherished son of Jose Manuel Nicolas Rodriguez and Nydia Antonia Bonilla Alix.

In 1966, Tony left his homeland to pursue higher education at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1972. During this transformative time, he met and married his first wife, and together they welcomed twin boys.

Following his graduation, Tony returned to the Dominican Republic and embarked on a career in academia, teaching engineering, graphic design, and mathematics at Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra. There, he also welcomed his third son. In 1979, Tony and his family moved to the Houston area, marking the beginning of his career in the U.S.

Tony contributed his expertise to several esteemed engineering firms, including Pan American and Kellogg Brown & Root, working on projects for NASA. It was during this time that he met Diane, the love of his life. They married in 1984 and built a beautiful life together.

After years of dedication, Tony and Diane retired from their careers in the NASA
community in 1999. Retirement brought them the freedom to explore the world, traveling
by plane, ship, and RV. Tony found immense joy in sharing these adventures with family
and friends, creating countless beautiful memories.

Tony was affectionately known as “PawPaw” by all the grandchildren that he adored.

Tony was a man of deep faith and celebrated his spirituality as a devoted member of St.
Andrews Episcopal Church in Pearland, TX. His kind spirit, love for life, and unwavering
faith touched all who knew him.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Jose Manuel and Nydia, sisters Adalgisa
“Icha”, and Milagros, brothers Rafael “Chengue”, Ivan, Leonidas, Jose Manuel “Chemi”,
and Marcos.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Diane Nicolas; sons Jose Antonio Nicolas and
wife Cassandra, Juan Carlos “Charlie” Nicolas and wife Amanda, and Brian Philip
Nicolas and wife Kimberly; sister Elima; grandchildren Marissa Nicolas-Cagigal and
husband Ricardo, Jose Nicolas, Jr. and wife Faith, Genna Nicolas, Alexandra Nicolas,
Diego Nicolas, Tyler Garner, Cameron Garner, and Analyssa Nicolas.

There will be a Memorial service at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at St.
Andrews Episcopal Church, 2535 Broadway Street Pearland, TX 77581, with Fr. David
Nelson officiating.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital or Pearland’s Meals on Wheels.