Obituary of Robert F. Nichols

Robert F. "Bob" Nichols, 79, of Waverly, NY, formerly of Athens, PA, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his beloved family following his courageous battle with cancer and Alzheimer's.

He was born on March 12, 1939 in Sayre, PA, the son of the late John and Margaret (Allen) Nichols.

Bob was a 1957 graduate of Athens High School. Following graduation, he joined the US Marines, proudly serving his country. He supported all the military, but he never missed a chance to thank the Navy for their rides when the Marines were deployed. Upon returning from the service, Bob continued to serve his community as an Athens Borough Police Officer for over 20 years. He then returned to school, obtaining two associates degrees at Corning Community College, one in Computer Programming and the other in Data Processing. He began a second career part-time with the US Postal Service in Athens and before long he became full-time, retiring in 2003.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren that he adored. He never missed attending their sporting events or anything they were involved in. Even during his illness, his face would light up whenever they came to visit, and he never missed a chance to question as to where they were and what they were doing.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and drawing. He was an avid Yankee, Steelers, and Penn State Fan. He was a past member of the ELKS, serving in many different positions. Bob was a member of the Sayre UKES, and the Schrader Creek Watershed Conservation, and helped every year stocking the creek with trout.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Terry Collins, sister Joyce DePew, and brother-in-law, Philip Hungate.

Robert is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy at home, children, Robby and Emily Nichols of Wellsboro, PA, Steven Merritt and fiancé, Victoria Karski of Sheshequin, PA, Heidi (Merritt) and Jason Moore of Waverly, NY, Staci and Kera Maj Nichols of VT, and Danae Nichols and Vanessa Liquori of Waverly, NY, grandchildren, Bobby and Amanda, Sarah and Jason, Dustin and Caitlin, Elizabeth and Sam, Hayley, Kate, Lyndsey, Treyton, Evan, Makayla, and Mackenzie, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Hungate, sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Bob Myers of Litchfield, PA and Karen Nichols and Trula Hollywood of South Waverly, PA, and brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Lorraine Nichols of MI and Dennis and Debbie Nichols of Sayre, PA, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family may call on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 5pm-7pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 7pm with the Rev. James Donahoo officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Robert's memory to: Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Vestal Rd, Vestal, NY 13850.