Nicholas Paul Niedbalski

Nicholas Paul Niedbalski, PhD, age 32, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, in a vehicular
accident in Clark County, Ohio.
Nick was born in Lansing, MI. Nick and his family moved to Washington state, where he
graduated from Issaquah High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree at Gonzaga
University, then obtained master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas
A&M University.
Nick was married to Danielle Dominique Dukes, a fourth-year medical student at Ohio
University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. They were married on Jan. 2, 2018, in
Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Nick was a researcher for the United States Air Force Research Laboratory/RQQ Directorate at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Nick received many awards at the Air
Force Research Lab and was recently awarded a rare government patent. His specialty was
computer modeling of very complex aircraft systems and he was very good at his job.
The program manager at the Air Force Research Lab, recalled one large meeting where there was
vigorous debate over a new research project.
“Nick was asked to present his computer simulation results and he did so in such a clear,
succinct, and accurate way that after he spoke there were no more questions on his topic,” the
program manager said. “We’ve all met people like this; that when they speak, it’s like the best
explanation and all agree. That was Nick.”
An excellent storyteller, there was no voice or sound Nick could not expertly mimic. All the
family dogs and cats had distinct voices in Nick’s retelling. Dogs, kids, everyone he met,
recognized Nick’s innate kindness and quiet humility. He really did not seem to know how
bright, funny and creative he was and seemed most comfortable praising the talents and efforts of
others. Danielle would often intercede in FaceTime calls to remind Nick of an award or
commendation he had received but forgotten to mention.
Nick and Danielle raised bull mastiffs, including several finished champions and one very
successful litter. He loved those stubborn dogs.
Learning anything new was a thrill for Nick. Like many who grasp highly theoretical concepts in
math and physics, he worked hard to learn how to do actual nuts-and-bolts building through yard
projects and many DIY efforts in the house.
When it came to matters of the heart, Nick’s mom was his lifelong mentor. He had immense
curiosity about the intricacies of human emotions, relationships, spiritual matters and loved to
discuss these issues with her.
There was a special relationship between Nick and his younger brother Greyson. Since childhood
they spent countless hours designing fantasy games with complicated characters, cities and
landscapes, social and political histories, and ongoing storylines. Their relationship matured as
they got older and remained a close bond despite the distance life forced on them.
Enjoying outdoor activities with his dad was one of the things Nick loved about living in the
Pacific Northwest. Backpacking and fishing in the mountains, kayaking and gold were their
favorites.
Nick loved extended-family gatherings on both sides of the wedding aisle and enjoyed close
relationships with uncles, aunts, and cousins. One of his favorite family traditions was the
Dukes’ family Christmas Bingo Night with fabulous food and prizes.
In addition to Danielle, Nick leaves his wife’s parents, Robert and Charida Dukes, his parents,
Robert Paul Niedbalski, D.O., Lynn Hughes-Niedbalski, D.O., his brother, Greyson Niedbalski,
grandmothers Connie Niedbalski and Joanne Hughes, Aunt Linda Niedbalski, Aunt Lori Hughes,
Uncle Leonard Niedbalski and Uncle David Hughes and cousins Alli and Emma Hughes.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity.

This Sunday, August 30th from 4PM - 5:30PM EST, there will be a Virtual Memorial Service in remembrance of Nick Dukes-Niedbalski on a private zoom meeting that will stream to the Nicholas Niedbalski Virtual Memorial Service private (but visible through search) group created on Facebook.  If you would like to attend this virtual event, just search for the group on Facebook and/or message Danielle Dukes-Niedbalski to be added to the group. If you are a friend, colleague, or family member and have any photos of Nick that you would like to be included in the ceremony slide show, please message Danielle Dukes-Niedbalski.  Many thanks to everyone for their encouragement, support, and kind words over the last few weeks as our family continues to grieve.