Nicholas Schpakow

Nicholas Schpakow, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, surrounded by a lifetime of love.

Nicholas was born on May 28, 1947, in Bamberg, Germany. After his family immigrated through Ellis Island in 1950 and settled in New Jersey, he carried forward the values of perseverance and devotion to family that defined his life. He later made his home in Colonia, New Jersey, where he built a life rooted in family. In 1977, while living in Fords, New Jersey, Nick met the woman who would become his wife, Ann. She affectionately called him “Nick the neighbor,” a nickname that grew into a lifelong joke and a symbol of the warmth and familiarity that defined their relationship. They married in 1980 and together raised three sons, creating a steady, loving home.

Nick spent more than 40 years working as a field technician in IT, a role he carried out with reliability and skill. Above all else, Nick loved his family. He rarely missed a moment that mattered, faithfully attending sporting events, school plays, dance recitals, and horse shows. He loved sports in all forms and could be found watching just about anything, though his heart always belonged to Philadelphia teams, the Eagles and the Phillies. Just as strong was his love for animals, especially dogs, and most especially his pup, Zelda, who was rarely far from his side. He was also an avid coin collector, a pastime he simply enjoyed and returned to often. He had thoughtfully created a coin book for each of his grandchildren to one day pass down.

Nick had a quiet, understated sense of humor. There was always a hint of mischief in his smile, a reflection of his sharp wit. That quiet smile had a way of letting you know all was well. He was deeply dependable and steady in a way that others relied on without needing to ask. If someone needed help, Nick was often already on his way. He showed love not through grand gestures, but through consistency, presence, and action. His care was practical, his generosity sincere, and his love was always felt.

Nick was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Marfa; his siblings, Gennadi, Susie, Boris, and Zina; his deeply loved eldest son, Adam; and his precious grandson, Alexander.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ann; his sons, Kevin and his wife Brittany, and Gregory and his wife Michelle; his daughter-in-law, Wendy; his grandchildren, Margarita and her husband Philip, Emma, Sarah, Lily, Zack, Josh, and Vivian; his great-grandchildren, Manuel and Alexander; his twin brother, Michael; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Nick will be remembered for the way he showed up, again and again, for the people he loved. His steady presence, quiet humor, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

All are welcome to pay their respects at a visitation service on Thursday, January 8th, from 3:00–7:00 PM at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ 08820. A prayer service will be held at Saint Gertrude's Cemetery on Monday, January 12th, at 11:00 AM. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, a tribute donation in Nick’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s of New Jersey (https://alzfdn.org/donate/).

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