A former California Golden Bears football player and alumnus, George Edison Nicholau, passed away at the age of 106 on April 25, 2025, in his hometown of Marysville, California.
Born on November 18, 1918, he was known for his athletic achievements as a collegiate football player at the University of California, Berkeley.
He was the oldest living Cal football player at the time of his passing.
George Edison Was An Athlete, Veteran, Entrepreneur, And Family Man!
George Edison Nicholau was born to Greek immigrant parents, Edison and Despo Nicholau, in Marysville, California.
His father, who immigrated from Greece, settled in Marysville due to its climate resembling his homeland.
The family lived upstairs from a saloon, and George grew up in modest circumstances, experiencing the hardships of the Great Depression.
He attended Marysville High School, where he excelled in sports, particularly football.
His athletic talent earned him a football scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played in the first college football game he ever saw.
He played under head coach Stub Allison and was a starting offensive guard and defensive lineman.
Before graduating in 1943 with a degree in pharmacy, he earned his letter with the Golden Bears.
After graduating, Nicholau enlisted in the Navy and served as an executive officer on the USS RUFF minesweeper in the South Pacific during World War II.
Following his military service, he returned to Marysville, where he founded the Marysville Clinic Pharmacy and Safe Save Pharmacy.
Moreover, he served on the Board of Trustees of Yuba College and remained deeply involved with Cal.
He was also elected to the Directors of the Big “C” Society and later appointed to the Alumni Council.
George Nicholau played for Coach "Stub" Alison's 1942 Golden Bears. Despite having a mid-season appendectomy, he was back to make this tackle on a Trojan ball carrier in the November 9 game against USC. Condolences to George Nicholau's family and friends. https://t.co/G6Cn96EjIQ pic.twitter.com/0b4b05Ozwe
— Cal Bears History (@CalBearsHistory) May 6, 2025
Beyond football, George maintained a commitment to physical fitness into his later years.
At age 90, he walked a dozen miles a week and engaged in strength conditioning, drawing comparisons to fitness icon Jack LaLanne.
This dedication stemmed from a moment in his mid-30s when he realized he was out of shape and began a lifelong fitness regimen.
Regarding his marital status, Nicholau was married to Gaye for 75 years. They raised six daughters together, five of whom also earned degrees from Cal.
George was survived by his beloved wife and their five daughters, Dessi Chuchas (married to Jim), Dorre Nicholau, Jamie Adams (married to Griffith), Terre Terzakis (married to Arthur), and Edie Delegans (married to Chris).
Similarly, he was predeceased by an infant son, Edison Nicholau, and another daughter, Jorgi Boom (married to Denny).
His passing was mourned by his family, the Cal football community, and the Marysville-Yuba City region.
His funeral service was scheduled for May 8, 2025, at The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Sacramento.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to George Edison Nicholau’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legendary One!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- George Edison Nicholau published his memoir, An Ordinary Man, An Extraordinary Life: A Sole Survivor with True Grit, in 2013 through I Street Press.
- The book chronicles his life from childhood during the Great Depression to his achievements as an athlete, veteran, entrepreneur, and family man.
