Nicholas Earl Felt's Obituary
Nicholas Earl Felt, 71, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on February 14, 1954, a Valentine’s baby, fitting for someone who gave so much of his heart to others. Nick lived a life marked by his own convictions, fierce loyalty to a carefully curated set of friends, a penchant for expensive cologne and sweaters, and a stubborn refusal to buy a car.
For over 40 years, Nick worked in the library system at The Ohio State University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree, and one he revered and rarely stopped talking about. A diehard Buckeye football fan, he proudly claimed he never missed a home game for 61 consecutive years, no small feat in an Ohio winter, until a terrible stroke altered his life irreparably. His love for all things Ohio State was about the academic institution, the people, the rituals he admired, and the sense of purpose and belonging it gave him.
Nick was a walker until he could no longer. Rain, snow, sleet, wind, it didn’t matter. He walked everywhere, always with purpose, often with a cigarette in hand, perhaps as a self-imposed penance for smoking. His love for being outdoors also extended to the wilder parts of Ohio; he loved hiking the trails of Hocking Hills State Park and visiting the unique town of Yellow Springs. His lifestyle became part of his legend, like something out of a storybook, if the storybook also featured deep political conversations, critiques of prestige TV, and rambling thoughts on the latest book or newspaper article he’d just finished.
Nick was a man who chose his friendships deliberately, cared deeply, and gave generously, especially of his time, his attention, and his belief in people. Despite having little in the form of possessions and wealth, he always managed to look sharp, not out of vanity, but because he liked to feel good and wanted others to feel good around him.
Nick is survived by his sister, Deborah Robaszkeiwicz (Donald), and his nephew, Louis Huffman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Daisy Felt. Nick is also survived by the friends he kept close, though scattered throughout the country and even nearby; these friends know why he is important to memorialize here, and always remember.
Nick lived life on his own terms, in his own rhythm. Those lucky enough to be in his orbit knew what it felt like to be truly seen and truly heard. Nick didn’t chase the spotlight. He walked right past it, usually on foot, into the lives of people who needed him, often more than they realized.
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