Nicholas Picerno
Nicholas Phillip Picerno, 71, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 8, 2025, after a year-long illness.
Mr. Picerno was born in Queens, NY on July 31, 1954, a son of the late Mario Nicholas and Carmela Anatrna Picerno, Nicholas dedicated nearly four decades to law enforcement, beginning his career in Moore County, NC. He continued his distinguished service in Springfield, VT, rising through the ranks to retire as Chief of Police. Nicholas then led the Unity, New Hampshire Police Department as Chief before relocating to Bridgewater, VA in 2002, where he became the inaugural Chief of the Bridgewater College Campus Police and served until his retirement in 2016.
Beyond policing, Nicholas was highly respected as a Civil War historian and passionate battlefield land preservationist. His expertise established him as the foremost historian on the 10th and 29th Maine Infantry regiments. Nicholas's efforts to protect historic sites and educate others were recognized nationwide. He contributed significantly to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, serving numerous terms as a board member and holding the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus. His dedication also extended to the Lincoln Society of Virginia, where he served as Vice-President, and the Advisory Board of Kennesaw State University’s Center for the Study of the Civil War Era.
Nicholas is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy, of New Market, VA, his son Nicholas of North Potomac, MD.
A funeral service for Mr. Picerno will be conducted at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Stover Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg on October 15 at 1pm with Rev Dr. Robbie Miller officiating. The family will have a visitation for family, friends, and colleagues from 2-5 P.M. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nicholas’s honor may be made to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (https://www.shenandoahatwar.org/nick).
You may submit your condolences to the family online at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.
Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg VA is honored to serve the family of Mr. Nicholas Phillip Picerno.
