Perry Mark Nicholas

Perry Mark Nicholas, 63, died peacefully in his sleep on April 5, 2021 following a 25 year battle with multiple myeloma. He spent his last days surrounded by family and friends in his home in Noblesville, Indiana. 

Perry was born March 28, 1958 in Indianapolis, IN to Paul “Jack” Nicholas and Phyllis Manchester Nicholas. He spent his early years living on the river in Ravenswood, Indiana, where he developed his love of the water and the outdoors. He spent his days outside with his siblings exploring White River and the nearby slough. His family later moved to Carmel, Indiana, where he spent his time building forts, learning to garden, and exploring the water in his first canoe. Carmel was also where he met his future wife, Sherilynn “Sher”. 

Perry and Sher were married in 1978 and moved to Indianapolis that spring. Five years later, they moved to their forever home in Noblesville, Indiana. The family home was the perfect place for Perry to express his love of outdoors, cultivating their gardens, maintaining trails through the woods, and caring for the lawn. Over the years, Perry and Sher remodeled the main home and guest cottage several times, taking on ambitious projects like moving the stairs to the second floor, multiple full kitchen remodels, and completely rebuilding the guest cottage three times. His skill and attention to detail garnered praise from friends and professionals alike; according to one city inspector, his electrical work in the guest cottage was flawless.

Following his graduation from Carmel High School in 1976, Perry attended Indiana University for two years. After his daughters were born, he returned to college at Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI), ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University.

Perry worked at Allison Transmission for over 30 years and was a proud member of the UAW. He started at Allison as an apprentice and retired as a tool and die maker. The company and his coworkers had a huge impact on his life, and he maintained relationships with many of his colleagues after his retirement. 

Perry was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in his late 30s. While his illness was a significant part of his life, he never let it define him or keep him down. He was active in the multiple myeloma community, providing guidance and support to others who shared the diagnosis. His contributions were full of the optimism and well-researched advice he was known for in all parts of his life. 

When Perry was diagnosed with cancer, his union representative fought for the company’s insurance to cover the stem cell transplant that saved Perry’s life. Now a standard treatment for multiple myeloma, it took the tireless lobbying of Perry and the union to get the new treatment approved. Because of their efforts, the treatment became available to any General Motors employee who needed it. When Perry was on sick leave for the treatments, his coworkers sent the family a Christmas Money Tree. The thoughtful gift allowed the family to have a wonderful Christmas with no worries. The tree continues to be a part of the family’s Christmas decorations, its prime spot a reminder of the love and support from the Allison Transmission community. 

Nothing was more important to Perry than family. He adored his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was proud to have raised three strong, independent, successful women and supported them in all their ventures. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them, and he was known to show up at a moment’s notice to help with a home project. He was patient with his grandkids in a way he wasn’t with anyone else. He would gladly sit for extended periods of time fishing in the lake with a fake fishing pole and making up funny stories with them. Time with him could also be “dangerous and fun” like splitting wood, using hand tools, and driving the speedboat.

You never knew what you were getting into when you went on an adventure with Perry. He was always trying to swim to the next sandbar, hike to the top of the next mountain, or climb the face of a cliff. His bonfires were legendary, as were his chainsaw antics.He rarely let his illness keep him from doing the things he loved. It was never a surprise when he followed up a dialysis treatment with a hike up a mountain or boogie boarding in Florida.  As much as he hated to sit still, he also knew how to relax. He loved his hot tub, watching sunsets, and talking with family. 

He is survived by his wife, Sherilynn, his daughters Kylie Nicholas (Bill Siegel), Quinn Nicholas, and Tia (Tony), his grandchildren Jackson “Jack” and Cora, his sister Pam McGuire (Joe), his brother Paul Nicholas (Marcia), and countless family members and friends who were a part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Phyllis. 

Perry was interred at Kessler Woods Cemetery in a small, family ceremony on April 7, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held later in the  spring, after the family is fully vaccinated. In the meantime, we ask you to honor his memory by going on an adventure with the people you love. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.