On January 7, 2019, Elmore K. Nolte (Big Nick) passed from this world into the hands of God with his family and friends at his bedside.  He was born into America's greatest generation on July 27, 1926 in Richmond Virginia.  He enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, serving his country in WWII aboard the Destroyer, Frank E. Evans DD-754 in the European theater. After serving his country, he returned to civilian life and his favorite sport, roller-skating.   Roller-skating turned into a career that dominated his life.  While enjoying the sport he loved, he met and married his soul mate, Barbara J. Vanderburg.  They enjoyed a beautiful marriage that lasted 66 years.

Big Nick built, opened and operated multiple roller rinks, up and down the east coast.  Finally taking total ownership of the Plaza Roller Rink in Hampton Virginia.  During the 45 years of operation of Plaza roller-rink, he taught, guided and influenced the lives of many children and adults through his love of roller-skating.

Big Nick is preceded in death by his father David, mother Lorraine, brother Durward and sister Madeline.  He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara Nolte; daughter and son-in-law Debra and Mike Spicer, grandchildren Angela and Shannon; son and daughter-in-law Nickie and Sheila Nolte, grandchildren Jessica, Tiffanie, Nickie and their mother Jeanene Nolte, step-grandchildren Crystal and Cortney; son and daughter-in-law, David and Amy Nolte, grandchildren, Brittany, Ariel, Jacob, Rhiannon, Cameron, Isabella, Isaiah and Devin; and 9 great grandchildren, Taylor, Chandler, Devin, Amyiah, Caleb, Sylas, Phoenix, Benjamin and Asher.

A Celebration of Big Nick's Life will be held at 2 pm on January 19th, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hampton, Virginia.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts please send a donation to the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, Va. is in charge of arrangements.