Nikolai Shabanoff, 71, of New Ipswich, NH, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2026. He was born in Valencia, Venezuela, on February 7th, 1955, the son of Margarita Kushnariova.

Nikolai was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, by his mother, Margarita, and maternal grandmother, Natalia, along with his great aunt, uncle, and cousins Nadgesda, Vaseily, and Stanislav. Nikolai attended The Boston Public Schools, Ellis Mendell, Mary E Curley, and Boston English High School. Nikolai also attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Nikolai worked in various jobs, which eventually led him to open his own business. Nikolai was successful in sales for a major wire manufacturing company and then later in personal computers, video surveillance, and security. Nikolai was always happy working for himself.

Nikolai's greatest passion was boating and sailing. He owned various boats in his lifetime. His forte was sailing; he was able to sail his 43' Morgan sailboat alone and recently sailed his 42” Concordia Taylor.

Nikolai had a knack for striking up a conversation pretty much anywhere with anyone. It did not matter what the subject was; Nikolai could navigate these conversations with ease. Some of these encounters led to long-term relationships for Nikolai.

Nikolai is survived by his mother, Margarita Kushnariova; his brother, Paul Shabanoff of South Carolina; Three nephews, Alexei, Matthew, and Daniel; Two nieces, Lillian and Katherine; and many cousins in South America, Spain, Venezuela, Florida, California, and Utah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nikolai’s name to Jaffrey Rehab & Nursing, 20 Plantation Drive, Jaffrey, NH 03452.