Obituary of Howard E. Nichols

Howard E. Nichols, Jr., 81, of Centerville, PA, passed away Tuesday evening May 10, 2016 at UPMC St. Margaret in Pittsburgh following an extended illness. He had been a resident of the Harmar Village Care Center in Cheswick for the past year. Howard was born on Aug. 18, 1934 at Foster Twp., McKean Co., PA, a son of the late Howard E. S. Nichols, Sr. and Dora Ruth Woodruff Nichols. He was married to Patricia L. Hand on Nov. 22, 1981 at Eldred, PA. He was previously married to Hazel Freer of Bradford. Howard was a graduate of the Bradford High School, class of 1953. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, European occupation, having served in the US Navy on the USS Tanner. Howard was employed by Westinghouse Corp. on the Savannah River site in Jackson, SC until his retirement in 1992. He was previously employed at State Equipment in E. Syracuse, NY; at Dow and Company at Olean, NY; and at several auto dealerships as a manager of body shops and was awarded a gold plated socket and wrench for years of service and recognition. Howard was a life member and past post trustee of the Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW in Titusville; a member of the American Legion in Cambridge Springs; a former member of the American Legion in Bradford; was past member and commander of the American Legion in Eldred; and a past member of the American Legion in Portville, NY. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers Union at Syracuse, NY. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, pulling wrenches, traveling, watching cartoons, playing pool and enjoying his pet cats. He was a loving, doting husband, dad, and grandpa. His hobbies included tinkering with cars and spending time with his family. Honor his memory, not being sorry, but remembering the memories. He is survived by his wife Patricia of Centerville; six children, Mary Ann Everly and husband Ralph of Bradford, Terry Nichols and wife Mary, and Eve Lewis, all of Westfield, NY, Freeman Nichols and wife Erma of Jamestown, NY, Edward Nichols and wife Renee of Meadville, and Vicki Parks and husband James of Ford City; 21 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; two sisters-in-law, Mary Nichols of Olean, NY and Gay Nichols of Bradford; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Charles, Archie Wayne, Gale, and Milton Nichols; and a sister, Annette Pire. Friends may call at the Hennes-Garrett Funeral Home 203 E. Main St. Titusville today (Friday) from 5 to 7 PM at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Mr. Nichols’ son Terry Nichols, officiating. Interment will be in Limestone Cemetery in Limestone, NY with full military rites on Saturday at 11:00 AM. The family asks that memorials be made to any chapter of the American Cancer Society and would like to express a special thank you to friends and staff at the Harmar Village Care Center for the exceptional care he was bestowed. Also a thank you to the staff at UPMC St. Margaret for the amazing work you do and making the transition to his next chapter of eternal life so wonderful.