T. Nicolas "Nick" Berlage, 92, of Clearwater, FL died peacefully on January 30, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Nick was born April 4, 1925, in St. Louis, MO and grew up on a farm in Downers Grove, Illinois just outside of Chicago. He graduated from High School at 17 years old as the Valedictorian. He was accepted into MIT and graduated at 20 years old with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked for Honeywell International for over 37 years. During his time with Honeywell he worked on many NASA projects such as the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs.

Nick was a man of strong faith and an active member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clearwater, FL for over 50 years. He served in many capacities at the church such as leadership roles, on various commissions, the choir, and led the work crew for nearly 30 years.

Nick pursued many passions, but his love of orchids was at the top of the list. He lovingly raised a wide variety of orchids and his collection grew to over 500 plants in his backyard greenhouse. He often jokingly referred to his passion for orchids as his "obsession." He remained a long time member of of the West Coast Orchid Society, continuing to attend gatherings even after he could no longer grow his own orchids.

He was a great lover of music in virtually all genres. He particularly loved symphonic music and was a season ticket holder of the Florida Orchestra for many years. He was also an accomplished singer. He was a member of the church choir for many years, sang for public events, and was a frequent soloist with his rich beautiful bass voice.

Nick also loved the water. He loved to boat, sail, and took up wind surfing as a young man in his early seventies continuing on into his eighties.

Nick was proceeded in death by his first wife of 26 years, Dorothy Berlage.