Barry Lane Nikola was born in Danbury, Connecticut, on April 18, 1943 to Marguerite Ellicott and Harold Thomas Nikola. He was lovingly raised at his nearly lifelong home, ‘Crosswinds’ just outside Patterson, New York, by his Mother and Donald B. Smith, all who predecease him. He was the fifth child of a wonderfully blended family that included the late Bruce, Diane, Nancy and Kenny Nikola and is survived by his brother Brigadier General Donald B. Smith, retired, of Kent, NY and his sister Terri Smith Clark of Vancouver, Canada. A graduate of Carmel High School he worked at Barden Corporation in Danbury for 35 years.
Our brother was a lover of animals, a keen gardener and gifted swimming pool chemist and horse fencing expert all with the goal of keeping ‘Crosswinds’ in tip top condition for the enjoyment of his siblings and 16 nieces and nephews. The family residence of over 50 years became their home from home most summers, no matter where the four winds of life had scattered them. Barry relished the visits of family members and did all in his power to make their stay a perfect one. The light of his life, though, were his 5 generations of Boxer dogs, several Alsatians too, who kindled an unequaled love in him. Sport on a lovely summer’s evening as children would be a round robin of catch, croquet or nonstop frisbee throwing for the dogs. A treasured, shared childhood is the most precious gift one can receive in building a bright future and we had it in spades. When the family home was sold in the 1990s Barry moved to Sebastian, Florida, where he lovingly cared for his mother until her death. Florida became his new favorite place, without the shoveling, and many friendships opened up especially through his Church Choir as singing was another passion. Those of us who survive him will sorely miss his distinctive, baritone birthday greetings via phone no matter where we were.
For the past three years Barry has resided at Pelican Landing Seniors’ home in Sebastian where he received exemplary care and companionship. It was there that his brother Don would visit frequently via JetBlue from New York and these, along with other family visits, were no doubt Barry’s highlights in his waning years. The entire family are grateful for Don’s commitment and dedication to his ‘big brother’.
Barry was a man of great faith and a Memorial Service will be announced in September, back home in New York where he will be laid to rest in the family plot at Raymond Hill Cemetery.