Nicholas S. Strater

YORK, MAINE — Nicholas Sewall Strater, 81, (AKA Big Nick, Pip Pop, Captain, Capt. Putt Putt) cast off his last line and sailed toward the sunset on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with his family by his side. 

He was born in Boston, Mass., on June 10, 1944, to the late David and Jean S. Strater. He was a graduate of The Governor’s Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy), The College of Wooster, and Boston University School of Law. 

Nick is survived by his wife, Jean A. Strater, and children Nicholas Strater and wife Danielle of North Hampton, N.H., Fiona Robinson and husband Tom of Kennebunk, and four grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Jonathan and wife Patricia of York, and sisters Nanette Ruppert and Katherine Strater, both of Surry, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Minshall Strater, of Greensboro, N.C.

Nick was an attorney in York for over 50 years and was a member of the Maine Bar Association. He began his legal career as a homicide prosecutor in the criminal division of the Maine Attorney General’s office in the 1970’s until an encounter with a felon he’d convicted inspired him to pursue private family practice with his father. He was a former member of the York Harbor Reading Room, Kiwanis and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a trustee at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art for many years. 

Nick was happiest when he was on a boat, whether it was fly fishing or sailing from Maine to the Virgin Islands. One of his favorite stories was how in June of 1983 he was temporarily lost at sea for two days in a “perfect storm” while bringing a sailboat from the Caribbean to Maine. He loved visiting Vinalhaven in Penobscot Bay, where he would entertain with friends far and wide. 

A private family memorial service will be held this summer. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nicholas S. Strater, please visit our floral store.