Upper Marlboro Community Mourns Passing of Retired Corrections Worker John Nicholson
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — The Upper Marlboro community is mourning the loss of John Nicholson, a respected retired Department of Corrections professional whose life of service and dedication left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Originally from Washington, D.C., John was a proud graduate of Central High School and later studied at St. Augustine’s University. Throughout his life, he carried a strong commitment to personal growth, discipline, and service—values that guided both his career and his relationships.
John dedicated more than two decades to the Department of Corrections, beginning his career in 2001. From the start, he earned a reputation as a steady and dependable professional who led with integrity and accountability. Colleagues remember him as someone who took his responsibilities seriously while always looking out for others. He was widely respected for mentoring younger officers, offering guidance with patience, honesty, and consistency.
To those who worked alongside him, John was more than a colleague. Many described him as a protector, a mentor, and a brother whose presence brought reassurance and strength during challenging moments on the job.
His recent retirement was a moment of pride for friends, family, and coworkers who had witnessed his years of commitment and sacrifice. After a demanding career, John was looking forward to enjoying the next chapter of life and spending more time focused on what mattered most to him. That sense of celebration, however, was soon replaced with heartbreak for those who had just honored his milestone.
Tributes have poured in from individuals whose lives John touched. Tim Waddy described him not only as a close friend but as family, recalling the guidance and loyalty that shaped him personally and professionally. Others shared similar reflections, remembering John as someone who consistently showed up, offered wisdom freely, and carried himself with quiet strength and dignity.
Indi Dixon, who began his corrections career alongside John, shared memories of a bond formed from their very first day on the job—a brotherhood that endured through years of service and life’s challenges.
John Nicholson is remembered for his big heart, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty to the people he cared about. Whether at work or in his personal life, he made others feel respected, supported, and valued. As the Upper Marlboro community grieves his passing, many continue to honor a life defined by service, integrity, and genuine care for others.
