John H. Nichols, Sr., 90, passed away on September 15, 2013 in Tampa, Florida. Born October 21, 1922 in Oil City, Pennsylvania, he was one of eight children of Charles and Sara (Tarr) Nichols. He is survived by a brother, Frank of Portland, New York.
He was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II and was injured while parachuting into Normandy during the D-Day Invasion. He loved playing the guitar and telling stories.
He was married to Margaret Meckley (deceased) for 14 years; Doris Newell for 3 years and Carol Fix (deceased) for 44 years. He had 15 children: sons Larry (Holly) Nichols of Fairview, PA; John Jr. (Noralyn) of Brandon, FL; David A. of Douglasville, GA; Chuck of Diamond Head, MS; James of St Petersburg, FL; Richard (infant deceased); David N. of Rochester, NY; Jerry of Mayville, NY; Christopher of Coeur d’ Alene, ID and Keith of Hudson, FL; daughters; Margery “Ann” Osborne (Deceased)(Robert); Deborah (David) Copolillo of Archer, FL; Jeanette Nichols of NY; Carol “Sandy” (Mark) Przybylak of Sloan, NY and Laura Nosbisch of Angola, NY and over 35 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He moved to Florida from Brocton, NY in 1970 and spent his many retirement years in Pinellas Park, FL; Angola, NY; Glendale, AZ; Picayune, MS; Weekie Wachee, FL, New Port Richey, FL and Hudson, FL.
He will be interred in Rockland Cemetery, Venango County, PA. The Patriot Guard Riders will accompany him on his final journey as a tribute to his service to his country.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Rest in peace Dad
DEAR HOLLY,LARRY AND FAMILY,,IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,HE WAS A GREAT MAN.HAD MANY A LAUGH AT YOUR HOME.ONCE AGAIN SO SORRY LINDA
To all my cousins who lost a dad, my uncle Frank, who lost a brother. I got to visit Uncle John last month & glad to have had that time with him. He was a very special Uncle. My mom talked of him a lot & played guitar with him & sang with him. Such special memories those are. When we visited him he used to always say, “God Bless ya honey” when he hugged me. I loved him very much. Nancy
I was blessed to have spent time with Uncle John two winters ago while visiting Dad in Florida. We enjoyed a lovely meal looking out over the ocean; he made sure he had his WWII Veterans hat on when we took a photo. He never let you say goodbye without a hug and saying “God Bless”. Dad gave me a tape of David’s songs and truly love the one he wrote about his Dad playing guitar on the stairs down the hall after they were all in bed. Simple memories are always the best…thank you for so many of them Uncle John.
We are going to miss his sense of humor. We are so glad we were able to spend some time with him before he went to Tampa. Thanks to his sons for sending him out in style and giving him the military funeral he deserves. Love Boyd and Linda
rip uncle john, will miss you an your stories of life. glad we saw you this summer.
To all the Nichols family and I am one too. My mother Ruth was Johns sister. My mom is seeing her brother in Heaven. They are dancing. I remember as a small child mom taking us to Uncle Johns, he was making a dinner of liver and onions and peas, the room was filled with love and we all had family fun. Uncle John has left an impression on all of our lives. We never let go of the precious memories that make us strong. Love you Uncle John
To everyone, he is going to be sadly missed. So glad he stopped at my house last year passing through. He and his son as We were making pizza and of course he didn’t want any but gave it to him anyway. Had a wonderful time. They left and called my phone thinking his jacket was here by mistake but found it. So cute. I will miss the talent my Mom shared with her brothers. Uncle John, Uncle Frank and my Mom. I am so glad i have a tape of them for memories. He also gave me a tape of his son singing. So cool. I love you Uncle John and family.
My sincerest condolences to all the Nichols family. Our loss is heavens gain. My memories are of mom and Uncle John dancing in the middle of the room all smiles and laughter. Being young I don’t seem to have a lot of memories. However, those memories that I do have will always be treasured. The joy of mom and Uncle John dancing together in heaven brings comfort and a smile. May the Lord Jesus bring comfort and healing to all our lives. My love and hugs, Gina
My sincerest condolences to all the Nichols family. Our loss is heavens gain. My memories are of mom and Uncle John dancing in the middle of the room all smiles and laughter. Being young I don’t seem to have a lot of memories. However, those memories that I do have will always be treasured. The joy of mom and Uncle John dancing together in heaven brings comfort and a smile. May the Lord Jesus bring comfort and healing to all our lives. My love and hugs, Gina
First I want to say I love you Uncle John may you rest in peace and thanks for coming out to Oregon to see me we had a great time.love for ever. Charley Smith