Jonathan Bernard Nicolas, lovingly known to many as “Tantan” entered eternal rest on January 2, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with organ failure. His life was defined by hardship, hope, resilience, compassion, faith, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Born on December 20, 2001, to his parents, Jonane Noel and Bernard Nicolas, he was their beloved Tantan. To his friends and the music community, he was simply Jonny Boy. To everyone who knew him, he was a soul of rare sincerity—a man with a “heart of gold” who walked through life’s greatest storms with a quiet, unbreakable grace.
As we honor the life and legacy of Jonathan, his connection to his family was deep, almost spiritual, from the very beginning. It was Jonathan who first revealed to his mother that she was pregnant, almost manifesting his baby sister. He became Nagee’s best friend and fiercest protector when promoted to big brother. As a son, Jonathan carried a deep, tender love for his father, Bernard, and a profound admiration and love for his mother, Jonane, who cared and advocated for him until his final breath.
To his nuclear family, whom he loved so dearly: Jonathan’s greatest dream was to build a future for you. He dreamed of building a back porch and an extension on the kitchen, so that in the winter he could still sit out back, and in the summer, he could host the family and friends’ gatherings he loved so much. He took immense pride in his home and the structure of his house; it made him feel important and secure. But more than the building, he loved the dynamics of this family. He often said he never felt alone because of the way you all surrounded him with love.
He knew his village was vast and he felt every ounce of your support. Your unconditional love was his foundation. From his reverence for his Grandma Soso, his living sanctuary with whom he would share his deepest secrets as she lovingly prepared his favorite meals like Pasta Alfredo and Diri Blanch ak Sos Pwa Nwa and legume. To his bonus moms, Betsy Komjathy and Sheila Corkhill, along with his Wellesley family, who raised him as their own child. They were pillars in his life who guided him, protected him, and showed him a mother’s love in every way including whipping up his favorite dish and making sure he got his homework done. Thank you for being the constant that ensured he was always had a home away from home or a hand to hold. In battling his illness, every night, he found peace with his cousin, Jean Jean (Mike) through these “little chats” that became his refuge. And like the others, Jean Jean would prepare a meal, and they would eat, talk, and rest, knowing they had each other. Even amid turmoil, Mr. Beaubrun, his stepdad, emerged as a pillar of stability and guidance, drawing him in with a consistent and reassuring disposition. Jonathan was supported by a strong community who claimed him as their own. His village must now find comfort knowing he is holding hands with Grandma Nena, who preceded in death, as she ushers him though his journey to our heavenly father.
Since the age of nine, Tantan fought a health battle that would have sidelined anyone else. But he “took it with heart.” Despite the struggle of two liver transplants, he never lost his kindness. A lover of sports, he dreamed of the football field. When his body wouldn’t let him play, his resilience led him to a full scholarship at Curry College for Sports Management. He loved the camaraderie of sports so much that in middle school and high school, he volunteered as a manager for basketball, lacrosse, and football, supporting his friends and being part of the teams. At his graduation, we were all so moved and surprised to see the crowd holding up signs that read “Congratulations Jonathan.” It was as if he were the Mayor of Wellesley—a celebrity in his own right, purely because of his kindness and his spirit. Above all, he was a loyal friend.
As Jonny Boy, he was a musician at heart and a gifted dancer. Last year, we saw him at his highest point, performing his favorite song on stage with his team. In that moment, he wasn’t a patient; he was a star. He showed us that even when the body is tired, the spirit can still sing.
Jonathan will be remembered for his quiet strength and the love and comfort he brought into the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community leaves an enduring legacy.
He was man of deep faith, often leaning on his favorite scripture found at 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all that knew and loved him.
Tantan, you have finished your work. You were a source of pride. You fought with the strength of a giant, and now you are free of pain, free of suffering, and free to soar as our angel, protecting us here on earth.
With his earthly journey now complete, he rests peacefully in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Jonathan is survived by his loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a host of cousins, extended family members, bonus family members, and dear friends who loved him dearly.
Rest in power, Jonny Boy. We love you, Tantan.
The family of Jonathan Bernard Nicolas gratefully acknowledges with sincere appreciation your prayers, support, flowers, cards, and all acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Society of Transplantation
May God bless you.
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