STRATFORD—Reverend Martin J. Nikodem, age 78 of Trumbull passed away peacefully on March 8, at Lord Chamberlain after a courageous battle with cancer. (Please note re-scheduled funeral time below due to impending snow storm.)
He was born in Bridgeport to the late John and Mary Nikodem. He attended St. Ann’s School in Bridgeport and graduated from Fairfield Prep. He studied philosophy and theology at Christ the King Seminary and St. Bonaventure in New York.
Father Nik, as he was affectionately known, was ordained in 1967 and celebrated his Golden Jubilee last May. He served in many parishes throughout the area including St. Mary’s in Ridgefield, St. Mary’s in Stamford, St. Teresa’s in Trumbull, and was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Good Council in Bridgeport. He later served as the chaplain at St. Joseph’s Manor, Trumbull.
Martin was an avid Steelers fan and took great pleasure in watching every game and wearing “all things Steelers”! He will also be remembered for his motorcycle rides and sailing on Fairfield Beach on his Sailfish.
Father Nik was a very kind and generous person. He always made the needs of others a priority. He spent several years caring for and meeting the spiritual of the residents of St. Joseph’s Manor.
He is survived by his sister, Carol Halfpenny of Shelton, his brother, Edward Nikodem and his wife Beth of Michigan. He is also survived by his 3 nieces, Erin, Deborah, and Rebecca. A special thank you to his dear friends and parishioners of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Fairfield for their continued prayers and support, especially in his final days.
The Reception of the Body will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Rd., Fairfield at 3:30 p.m., Monday, March 12, 2018 with visiting hours until 5:30 p.m. A Vigil Mass of Christ the High Priest will be celebrated Monday at 5:30 p.m. by Rev. Msgr. Thomas W. Powers, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bridgeport and Rev. Peter A. Cipriani as homilist.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Wednesday, March 14, at 11:00 am by Rev. Peter A. Cipriani and Deacon Raymond J. Chervenak as homilist. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.
