Obituary of Richard Dean Nichols
Mr. Richard “Dean” Nichols, 67, of Garland PA, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 7:57 PM at the Corry Memorial Hospital.
He was born on March 6, 1950 in Titusville to Richard E. and Mary Shriver Nichols. He married Viola McWilliams Stroup on November 22, 2005 in Pleasantville.
Dean attended Townville schools.
He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He enlisted in the Army on May 27, 1968 and served with the 34th Eng. BN. attached to the 62nd Land Clearing CBT in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on May 27, 1971 at Camp Ord, CA.
Dean loved his profession as a truck driver and did so for 47 years. He was last employed with William Fitzgerald Trucking in Youngsville.
Dean enjoyed watching John Wayne movies, was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, listening to oldies music, and loved being with his grandkids and cat “Pooky”.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 135.
Dean is survived by his wife Viola of Garland; his mother Mary of Centerville; two daughters, Carrie Skidmore and husband Scott of Sheffield, and Cassie Nichols of Garland; eight step children, Shannon Switzer and wife Wendy of Warren, Teresa Winger and husband Greg of Johnstown, Thomas Stroup and companion Julie of Centerville, Craig Stroup and companion Sabrina of Kane, Tina Caldwell and husband Mike of Titusville, Dean Stroup and wife Jenny of Corry, Bruce Stroup and companion Tonya of Titusville and Bradly Stroup of Titusville; 24 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a sister Robin Malott and husband Philip of Latrobe, PA; a brother Randy G. Nichols and wife Patty of St. John, MI; and a sister in law Melody Rose of Centerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Richard and brother Ronald Nichols.
Family and friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc. 303 N. Washington St. Titusville, PA 16354 on Thursday from Noon to 2:00 PM at which time a funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Michael Thompson of the Lighthouse Christian Center, officiating.
Interment will be at Troy Center Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society 2 W Crescent Park, Warren, PA 16365.
