The Rev. Nickas was born in Newark, son of the late John and Helen Nickas. He was raised in Maplewood, and graduated from Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University in 1962. He studied for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Newark in 1966. He earned a master of divinity degree at Immaculate Conception Seminary in 1975 and studied for a doctorate at Drew University.

In 2005, the Rev. Nickas was made pastor emeritus of St. Peter Claver Church where he had served as pastor from 1996 to 2004. He founded the Healing Mass, and belonged to the Health Ministry, Peace Action, and Homecall which provides housing for the poor. He also was coordinator of the AIDS Ministry in Essex County for the Archdiocese of Newark. He had been residing in the Monsignor James Kelley Residence in Caldwell since 2004.

His first pastoral assignment was to the Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes, and then he was assigned to St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, Newark, until 1969. In 1970, he was in residence at St. Ann’s Church, Newark, where he served in various capacities until he became pastor of St. Rocco’s Church, Newark, in 1977. As pastor, he began many community outreach programs. He worked with homeless men and families, founding two shelters in 1981. He was the founder of St. Rocco’s Children’s Center and of The Learning Experience Alternative High School in Newark. During his tenure as pastor, St. Rocco’s Church was designated a National Historic Landmark.

The Rev. Nickas was predeceased by a brother, Harry Nickas; and a sister, Virginia Kuhn. He is survived by his sister, Anne Marie McGovern; and 11 nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held on Oct. 20, in St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monsignor James Kelley Residence, 247 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006.