Crimson Shield September 2012

After Ricky's untimely death, tributes flowed in. Notice the variety of ways he impressed people.

Mr. Nuesslein was a great teacher and a great person. He made an immensely positive impact on my life. I will always appreciate the time and effort he put forth to teach me. (Jeff Magill '90, Captain of Ricky's championship Quiz Bowl team)
Ricky had just started teaching at Brother Martin when I was about to graduate. I didn't know him when I was a student but got to know him when he was the school representative who interviewed my son prior to his acceptance into Brother Martin. Ricky acted as though we were old friends and immediately made my son feel more relaxed during the interview. I'll never forget him because of that. (Lee Stall '82)

I taught in the math department at Brother Martin from 1994-1999. I enjoyed sharing space in the upstairs faculty room with Ricky. He was always someone I could turn to if I needed advice as a young teacher. I learned alot from him. (Michelle Stall)

Mr. Nuesslein gave us our tour of Brother Martin earlier this year. He shared the spirit and heart of Brother Martin and we knew this was the place to send our boys to school. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers! (The DeGarmo family)

Mr. Nuesslein, you were a great teacher but more you were a terrific lesson in what it meant to be a Christian Man. I will always remeber your goofy humor, mustache, and how honest your opinions were when we had open discusions. You taught us how to think for ourselves and make a good evaluation of things occuring around us in our world. I will always have fond memories of you. Thank you for being a great person. You will be missed. (Danny Sellen '93)

Ricky inciting Pep Rally 2001

Words fail to convey my sorrow at my great friend's passing. We were the best of friends and colleagues from my first days at Brother Martin. Games at Zephyr Field will never be the same nor will the classroom. We shared much in common and his life was a monument to clear thinking, great writing and a truly indomitable spirit. (Dr. Stephen Tucker)

Mr. Nuesslein was an amazing man, and a wonderful teacher. He strove to make his students more knowledgeable about our world and country, and he desired to have his students become participating members in our society. The lessons that he taught me more than ten years ago still hold true for me today - to the point that Mr. Nuesslein is one of the reasons I strove to become an educator. (Ned Kightlinger '03)

I know that the surprise of such a sudden passing still hasn't sunk in for me. I had gone from a student in Mr. Nuesslein's class to enjoying our conversations as fellow educators and social studies teachers. One of my favorite parts of the year was looking forward to the state tennis tournament so we could talk some more; as always seems to happen, I wish I'd known our last talk in Monroe this year would be our last one. He truly touched my life as an educator and as a human being. My life is better for having met him and grown to know him. God's speed, Mr. Nuesslein. Thanks. (Sean Esker '92)

I admired his dedication to the students as well as his integrity, which grew out of a solid set of priorities that put development of students at the center of his educational philosophy. He was forthright and even fearless in speaking up for improvements that would enhance the educational experience at Brother Martin. That’s why he was invaluable as an instructional supervisor the last few years. It didn’t take long to appreciate that Ricky was a man without guile. You got his honest take on everything. He wasn’t one to make statements just to ingratiate himself with you. You could disagree without fear of jeopardizing a friendship. He could laugh at himself and at our shared travails to ease the inevitable daily tensions. (Brother Neal Golden, S.C.)