Nicholas J. Mayer

Nicholas "Nick" John Mayer Jr., 69 of Vermilion, died Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at his home after lengthy illness. He was born May 29, 1940 in Vermilion, Ohio where he has been a life long resident. Nick graduated from the Vermilion High School Class of 1959. He also received degrees from Lorain County Community College, Heidelberg College; and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He was a veteran of the US Army. He served as an officer of the Vermilion Police Department for 31 years. During his years of service, he worked his way through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police from 1989-1997 when he retired. Nick also served as Vermilion Harbor Master and was an Associate Professor of Police Science at Lorain County Community College. He also owned Nick's Place-Car Lot, as well as a stump removal and snow plow business. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a life member of AMVETS Post #22, The Lorain Co. Police Chief Association where he had served as president for many terms, Vermilion Rotary Club, and he was very active in the Vermilion Lions Club and Operation Christmas Joy where he served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed restoring antique cars, hunting, traveling, doing volunteer work, and spending his winters in Florida. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Rita Mayer (nee Ratcliff), daughter, Lee Ann Mayer and her fianc Jeff Bregman of Vermilion; son, Daniel Mayer and his companion Kellie Foster of Vermilion; Kellie's children: D.J. Pohorence, Paige and Emily Foster; brothers, Joseph, Paul, and Lester Mayer all of Vermilion. Preceding him in death were his parents, Nicholas and Wilhamina (nee Beursken); a grandson, Nicholas Mayer in 1987; 2 brothers, Robert and Walter Mayer; and a sister Rosemary Ondrus. Friends may call Thursday, July 2, 2009 from 5-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Friends may also call on Friday, July 3, 2009 from 9:30 until the time of prayer services at 10:30 at the funeral home followed by an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church Vermilion, Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. Contributions may be made to the Vermilion Lions Club, P.O. Box 94, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.