Norwich, VT – Nicholas R. Pompar, 68, died peacefully at home in Norwich with his family at his side.
He was born September 12, 1944 in Queens, NY and grew up the son of Edward and Katharine (Honich) Rogienski. In 1962 he began his service with the US Navy, serving as a submariner aboard the USS Andrew Jackson, a nuclear powered submarine. For his exemplary service, Nick received three Service Stars, Submarine Warfare Insignia, the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged in 1970.
After his naval service he attended SUNY New Paltz and completed his degree at Northeastern University, after accepting a job with Johnson and Johnson and settling in the greater Boston area where he lived for many years. He then moved to Vermont where he was the sales manager for BioTek in Winooski. Nick lived in Jericho for a time and later in Essex before moving to Norwich two years ago.
In addition to his deep love for his family including his true love, Janice, Nick loved biking. Biking brought him great freedom and adventure. His passion for biking earned him the nickname "Bikenick". Nick completed 37 century rides in Massachusetts, Vermont and New York. He also enjoyed riding with Janice; they biked the route along the Danube River in 2010 and frequently enjoyed biking along the Connecticut River from Norwich to the Cedar Circle Farm in Thetford.
Nick was known for his kindness and generosity, including to local causes such as the Vermont Food Bank and local shelters. He will also be remembered for his wry sense of humor. He was a man of few words, with great depth and clear values. He lived and modeled his many virtues and was a wonderful mentor and guide, both personally and professionally.
Nick's family was very appreciative of the wonderful care they received from Bayada Hospice especially Sherri LaRet as well as Drs. J. Marc Pipas and Dr. Amelia Cullinan and their teams at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Norris Cotton Center; Deb Steele and her host of volunteers and the "Hand to Heart Program.
Nick leaves behind his loving companion Janice Lavoie of Norwich, VT, son Jason R. Pompar of Fort Myers, FL; daughter Melissa L. Pompar of Essex, VT; granddaughter Savanna Grace Gervais; brother Alan Rogienski and his wife Jeannie of New Jersey; sister Janet Rivera and her husband Eugene of Virginia; his former wife Sandra Emmott as well as several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday April 27th at 11:30AM at the Wilder Events Center, 2087 Hartford Avenue in Wilder with Judge David A. Mills (Ret.) officiating.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.