Alto Charles Nickerson, Jr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 20, 1940, to the late Alto Lee and Louise Nickerson. He was the eldest son of six children, having a twin sister, Arlene. Alto and Arlene shared a special bond, often playfully bickering about who was the older twin, even though it was known Arlene was born twenty minutes before Alto.

Alto received Christ at an early age. He, Arlene, and younger brother Gary, were baptized at the same time by the late Rev. Leroy Kelly of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. After many years of service, the family moved their membership to Sanctuary Baptist Church, and later Grace Missionary Baptist Church, where Alto was a member until his death.

He was educated in the Cleveland Public School System, and a proud graduate of John Adams High School, home of the Rebels. While at John Adams, Alto excelled in sports, earning a letter in track and field. To celebrate Alto’s achievement, his father bought him a beautiful sweater, to which he affixed the “Flying A”. Alto loved this sweater and wore it often with pride.

Upon graduation, Alto began working at Highland View Hospital as an orderly. Later, his father got him a job with the TRW Corporation (also known as The Argo Tech Corporation). While there, Alto worked as a grinder, making parts for airplanes. He worked at Argo Tech until retiring at age 65.

Alto was married to Karl Holley, and they had a son, Adonus Nickerson. In 1975, through a mutual friend, Alto met the love of his life, Carolyn Tyler. The two were married on November 19, 1977, and to this union, a daughter was born, Michika Renee. Alto and Carolyn were happily married for 46 years until his death.

Alto was an avid bowler, decorated member of The Cleveland Bid Whist Club, and active member of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) and John Adams Alumni Association. But more than that, he was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and most of all, friend. He was always the life of the party, bringing laughter and good times wherever he went! He had a special gift for making friends out of strangers and could literally talk to anyone. He was a confidant to many-someone you could freely talk to about anything. And for these things, he will be sorely missed.

After a lengthy battle with COPD and lung cancer, Alto entered eternal rest on Wednesday, February, 21. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alto and Louise Nickerson, stepmother Mildred Nickerson, sisters Patricia Howard and Arlene Wright, and brother Terry (Patricia) Nickerson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beautiful wife Carolyn, son Adonus (Elizabeth), daughter Michika, grandson Adonus Justin Bell (Jaszmyn), brothers Gary and Elfonzia (Maggie), stepsister Ruby Clark, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.