Harry Nuckles Obituary

Harry S. Nuckles, 91, of Whiting, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Amherst, VA, to Clemmie Nuckles, Harry was raised as a member of the Monacan Indian Tribe. His early years on the farm helped shape his love and knowledge of animals and gardening and an appreciation for hard work. At the tender age of 16 he walked from Virginia to New Jersey to join family members who worked at the Trap Rock Quarry in Hopewell, NJ. Harry met and married Shirley Nuckles and shared three beautiful children together. Eventually divorcing, he met and married the love of his life, Sara Perlingero. Harry and Sara spent 50 years together traveling to their favorite places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where they shared playing blackjack and other casino games. They loved playing bingo, and listening to country music. Harry enlisted in the military in 1953, proudly serving in the United States Air Force for eight years. He was stationed many places including Georgia and South Carolina but his favorite duty station was Alaska. There he worked transcribing gathered intelligence and his unit even adopted a local moose. Harry's time in service shaped his character and instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and commitment to his country. Harry worked for many years as an operating engineer, operating heavy construction equipment and cranes, helping to build roads, sewer lines and buildings. He was a proud member of the IUOE Local 825 for over sixty years.
Harry's best times though was time spent with family. He loved to cook, share meals and stories together. Always willing to offer his kindness to others showed his remarkable strength and spirit. His kindness, warmth, and patriotism will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know and love him.
Predeceased by his mother, Clemmie Nuckles; his wife, Sara (Perlingero) Nuckles; his two sons, Harry Nuckles and David Nuckles; his grandson, Michael Nuckles; and his step-son, John Pelehaty; he is survived by his daughter, Sheri and her husband, John Bravo; his daughters-in-law, Mary Nuckles and Diane Pelehaty and her husband, Greg Diaz; his grandchildren, John and his fiancée, Magda, Charlene and her partner, Joe, Julia, Tony, Christina, Gregory, Ashley and her husband Scott, Megan and her husband, Joe and David; his great-grandchildren, Billy, Dominic, Dakota, Michael, Anthony, Allison, Lucas, Ari, Ariella, Christopher, Nicholas and Madison; and his great-great-granddaughter, Haisley.
Funeral services will begin on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.
Entombment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Hamilton, NJ.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Saul Colonial Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harry's memory to the New Life Church, Children's Playground Project, 700 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753