Obituary of Chad Leon Nicholas

Being open, vulnerable and brutally honest . . .

Chad Leon Nicholas, 42, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, due to PTSD after trying for years to get help from the Veterans' Administration. Sadly, this is not an uncommon tragedy. The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report states that in 2022, "6407 veterans lost their lives to PTSD suicides." This massive failure of the VA affects not only the individuals fighting these horrific battles, but thousands of spouses and children left behind. This is unacceptable. It is our hope that Chad's cry for help will finally be heard as we advocate for accountability and resources desperately needed for those who have bravely and selflessly served our country.

Chad was born on July 26, 1982, in Murray, Utah.

Chad was a devoted husband, father and brother. They were his favorite people to spend time with. He enjoyed watching movies and working on projects around the house with his wife. He recently used his woodworking skills to build Tiffany, her dream wrapping paper station. To say it is impressive is an understatement! Chad was extremely proud of his children's educational and athletic accomplishments. He attended EVERY basketball game and track meet. He was a huge supporter of his children and their teammates. You would often find him supplying coolers of fruit, snacks and water, creating highlight videos, and cheering loudly for them. He was especially proud and excited his children were attending Penn State. He enjoyed talking "tech and cars" with his brother, Dustin, and always looked forward to their visits. He loved being with him. Chad loved Sasha, the family dog but had a special bond with his service dog, Zoe.

Chad enjoyed woodworking, fireworks, golf, motorcycles, Despicable Me Minions, and grilling outdoors. He made THE BEST smoked Thanksgiving turkey and bacon-wrapped chicken thighs! He loved to watch college and pro sports, but especially loved Penn State and was an avid Steelers, Pirates & Penguins fan.

Chad honorably served in the US Navy where he received a Captain's Coin for his outstanding performance as a postal clerk. He was well-educated and graduated with a bachelor's degree in "Information Systems Security." He was employed at E-INFOSOL where he was a conscientious, dedicated and loyal employee. He was often sought after for his IT expertise. He loved working there and talked about wanting to retire from there someday.

Chad is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Tiffany Nicholas; his son, Tyson Nicholas and his daughter, Taylor Nicholas, brothers, Dustin Nicholas, Logan (& Rosalice) Hunt, sisters, April (& Garrett) Tryon, Autumn (& Jeff) Fowers, Carissa Hunt, Shaina (& Elliot) Stumpp, Parents, Brad & Tammy Hunt, grandparents, Dianne Hunt, and Hal & Sharon Schneider, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him.

Chad is preceded in death by his grandparents, Emerson and Janet Bowman, Douglas I Hunt, and Brother-in-Law, Dallin Hunt.

Friends and family will be received at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 161 Meadow View Lane, Morgantown, WV on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 10:00am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00am with the Morgantown Ward officiating. Following the memorial service, full military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Westover VFW post 9916.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a GoFundMe account set up to help with expenses:

GoFund.Me/b4ed408a or Venmo @cnicfam4

Cremation services are being provided by Hastings Funeral Home.

Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com

(Submitted by The Nicholas Family)