Wayne M. Nickerson, 69

Wayne Michael Nickerson, 69, of Seabrook, and formerly of Gloucester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, Massachusetts.

Wayne was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, on Nov. 17, 1956, to the late Frank E. Nickerson and Martha T. Nickerson. In 1961, his family moved to Gloucester, and later to Magnolia in the late 1960s, where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up near the ocean. At the age of 17, Wayne joined the United States Marine Corps, one of his proudest accomplishments. He graduated from Parris Island on Oct. 16, 1974, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for six months. He later continued serving as a reservist in Concord, until receiving his honorable discharge.

Following his military service, Wayne worked at several factories in and around Bristol, including IPC, the Crutch Factory, and Ashland Woolen Mill. During that time, he worked alongside Carolyn McDonough, who taught Wayne how to cook and helped shape him into the person he became. He greatly appreciated her mentorship and always enjoyed working with the McDonough family. Wayne later returned to Gloucester when his future wife, Renee, attended Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. He held various jobs at Woodman's of Essex, where the work was more than just a job — it was an experience. Wayne enjoyed working with the Woodman family and the many friends he made there.

Eventually, the ocean called him back. Wayne worked aboard many fishing vessels out of Gloucester, including the Gannet swordfishing, and the gillnetters Phyllis A., Ethel B., Gloucester Girl, Sea Witch, and Whispering Wind, among others. He also spent time working on boats with the Yankee Fleet from Gloucester, to Key West, Florida. Wayne especially enjoyed the years he spent aboard the Middlebank with Captain Tom Cain. Later in his career, Wayne worked onshore at Americold Cold Storage in Gloucester, where he remained until his retirement at the age of 62. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, serving as chief steward for 15 years and as a trustee on the executive board for Teamsters Local #42. Through his union work, he formed many lasting friendships, and he continued to enjoy gathering with fellow members for lunch or coffee.

Wayne believed family was the most important part of life. He loved spending time with his family and cooking for gatherings at his home in Gloucester and later at "The Ledge" in Seabrook. He loved his sisters, brother, nieces and nephews, and cherished every moment spent with them. Above all, his greatest love was his wife and best friend, Renée, whom he had loved since they met in 1978. They shared 37 wonderful years of marriage together.

In addition to his wife Renée M. Nickerson, Wayne is survived by his siblings Karen J. Ross of Pittsford, New York, Frank E. Nickerson and wife Mary of Beverly, Massachusetts, Jacquie Mondello and husband Joseph of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Mary Ann (Nicky) Fialho of Essex, Massachusetts, Margaret Pallazola of Erwin, Tennessee, Heidi P. Waring-Deluca and husband Carl of Bristol, his mother-in-law Fernande Doucette of Bristol, and brothers-in-law Alan E. Doucette and Scott J. Doucette and wife Shelley, all of Bristol, as well as many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his brothers-in-law William Ross, Donald (Doc) Fialho, Edward Pallazola, Russell Waring and Jean V. Doucette; sister-in-law Sherri Doucette; and father-in-law Robert E. Doucette.

Donations in Wayne's memory may be made to Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, Massachusetts, or to the New Hampshire Humane Society in Laconia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Sunday, May 31, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Elks at Bass Rocks, 101 Atlantic Road, Gloucester, Massachusetts. Burial will be in the Magnolia Cemetery in Gloucester. Please visit remickgendron.com to sign Wayne's tribute page.