Family Background of a Police Commissioner Candidate

My Father’s Side

The construction business has been running in our family’s blood for the longest time. On the paternal side, it dates back to Nicholson & Galloway in 1849, the oldest construction company in New York City. The business was last owned by my father, William A. Nicholson, and his brother, John P. Nicholson. My grandfather, John Elliot Nicholson, lived on Manhasset Bay with my grandmother, Delia Nick, who ran the business until she passed away in 1968.

Upon my mother’s demise, my father remarried, retired, and settled down in Florida. My youngest sister, Delia, eventually moved to Florida and resided with our dad.

My Mother’s Side

My mother, Glady Marie, grew up with aviators. Her first husband, Tom Van Riper, passed away during a Korean police operation in 1950. Also, her stepfather, Captain Fred D. Smith, was a pilot for Pan American World Airways and Republic Airline.

During my honeymoon in 1988, I visited Grandpa Fred, who was the oldest living American Airlines pilot during that time. He lived in Plandome, NY and served in both wars—the first at age 17.

Family Business

My entire career has been solely devoted to construction, and I am proud of my achievements over the years. Growing up with a family construction business, I developed a passion for the industry and realized the importance of exceptional management.