Robert 'Bob' Nicholson Honored By Sparta Township Council

SPARTA, NJ — Robert “Bob” Nicholson, a resident of over six decades in Sparta, was honored by Sparta Township’s Council at their most recent meeting, for all he’s given to the community.

Mayor Christine Quinn read a proclamation and also made her own special remarks about Nicholson.

“For anyone that has had the absolute good fortune of bumping into Bob at any local restaurant or establishment - or sees Bob along the bridal path - or perhaps at a meeting or event, there is, no doubt, a story - or two or three - that will leave the listeners happier than they were before Bob walked over,” Quinn said. “That's just the way Bob is.”

Nicholson was Sparta’s 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal, Sparta Elks #2356 hosting a Grand Marshal Dinner in his honor too, just before the last parade.

Quinn remarked how Nicholson stopped during the Independence Day parade as Grand Marshal, to shake hands with parade goers.

She quoted Plato, stating cities are what they are because of their citizens.

“There are few quotes that sum up, so eloquently, the very core of what makes our community so special,” Quinn added. “In that same vein, it's fitting to acknowledge a citizen within our community, such as Bob Nicholson, who serves as the perfect example of the truth in this very simple and powerful quote.”

At the Township Council meeting on July 14, among Nicholson’s accolades mentioned in the proclamation, some that he had spearheaded with his entire family over the years, including with late wife of 64 years Shirley; and their children Debbie, Wendi, Linda and Rob:

• Service to both the Army National Guard and United States Navy
• 2019 Outstanding Citizenship Award
• Founding Member and First President of the Sparta Lions Club
• Contributions to the Sparta Historical Society, including donation of an 1899 Studebaker Coach and restored cupola, that had been on the old Sparta Municipal Building
• Contributions to the Sparta Township Industrial Committee
• Construction of the Nicholson Family Performing Arts Pavilion at Dykstra Park
• Development of the Sparta Community Gardens
• Enhancements to the VanKirk Homestead and Grounds
• Contributions to the War Memorial at Sussex County Community College
• Contributions for the Veterans Cemetery in Sparta
• Contributions to cornerstone businesses in the community, including Eastern Propane - which his father founded in 1938 - and his co-founding of Lakeland Bankcorp, for which he still serves as Chairman Emeritus

“Mr. Nicholson has always been a staple in the Sparta community,” said Sparta Police Chief Neil Spidaletto, who is also the township’s acting manager.

“He and his family have done so much for our town,” Spidaletto added.

“Sparta is fortunate to have had Bob as a Spartan,” he told Patch. “It was a great night to honor a great man.”

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.