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William Nicholas Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Nicholas
Allison Rath Garvey
November 18, 2008
To the Nicholas family ~
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful person, so full of life and always smiling! He had a zest for life that had a way of making your day. We worked together at the Erie County Department of Health and I was glad that his office was only a few doors down the hall. May the life-time of memories you hold dear warm your hearts forever. God Bless you all ~
Tricia Amati
November 12, 2008
To the Entire Nicholas Family-I am so saddened to hear about your loss. Billy was known for his friendliness and his vibrant personality. May God help you through this time and may the love in your heart keep all of your beautiful memories alive of Billy.
Dan Nicholas
November 3, 2008
Again, thank you to everyone for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated.
-Dan Nicholas
Deanna Rusek
November 3, 2008
"Billy's" Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Billy as I knew him was a great guy. We were just speaking of him at our 25th and I heard how sick he was, my heart sank. I pray that you will find some spirtual guidance through this tough journey of grief and acceptance. Bless all of you, you are in my prayers.
Billy at his finest Navy threads
November 2, 2008
Tracy Homer-Wisner
November 1, 2008
Danny and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your brother's passing. When I think of your brother when we were growing up I can only think of his grin. He was so full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Neeson
October 29, 2008
Dear Nicholas family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
I would like to share with you a memory I have of Billy and something he did for me and my family years ago when my mother passed away.
At my mothers funeral Billy asked if he could say a few words about her and how her life had made an impact on his. He shared several memories of how our mother had always been there when he needed to talk to someone or just to have someone to listen to him and how much he had appreciated her for that. As Billy spoke, his words made me realize the importance her life had really made for many people not just for me and my family. His words truly helped me that day. Instead of feeling only deep sorrow I realized that I should also feel great joy and happiness knowing that she had made a difference for many people throughout her life.
I’ll never forget what he said that day and how much it meant to me. I would also like to convey the same message to everyone in Billy’s family because he too has made a difference in the life’s of others and will always remain a person whose memory will be cherished.
Thank you Billy
Michael
Billy and Amy at Dan Neeson's Wedding 1996
October 29, 2008
Dan Neeson and Billy Christmas Eve 1986
October 29, 2008
June and Ed Seymour
October 29, 2008
Dear Ann and Bill ,
After perusing the guest book entries of other friends of Billy --(particularly by Dan Neeson and Kim Sweet) -- I appreciate the obvious generosity of his spirit. I can begin to understand your pride in his life and, alas, the sadness you both must feel at the premature ending of it ... May he rest in peace...
Bill and I on the way home from NU - One of Bill's more innocent... "Who me?" looks.
October 29, 2008
Spring Weekend @ NU 1988 - I can hear his laugh as he was cracking a joke!
Maura Lillis Blonski
October 29, 2008
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas, Lynn, Dan, Amy, and Children,
Words can not describe the shock and grief I feel as I sit here and read Billy's obituary. I guess because over the past few weeks I have seen people or pictures that have reminded me of him. He was even in my thoughts on Saturday as we sat around the campfire in Allegany.
My memories of Billy are many. They go as far back as the Democratic Party Picnic at Darien Lake when he, Dan and myself went on the waterslides which were across the "parking lot" from the picnic area (That could have only been just a few short years ago! I am sure that he would agree!)
While I am one to pride myself on my "elephant" memory, I was always amazed at Bill's penchant to remember lines from movies. I remember when he first came home from the Navy, we were hanging out, and I had to go and rent Diner and Stripes just so I could keep up! Hanging out with him was always an "adventure" and I enjoyed being sucked in.
Amy, I will never forget when he met you and how excited he was to introduce you to me. I remember how he spoke fondly of you and how good you were for him;and, how his life had really changed since he had met you. He always made a point of telling me about your children and all of their accomplishments. He certainly was a proud dad.
I could go on forever...
I truly hold dear Billy's love for life, his laugh, smile and his "Bold & Beguiling" ways. I count myself fortunate to have known and befriended him.
A really good man has gone from us...too soon; a feeling that I know all too well. His legacy will live on in all of you and all of us whose lives he has touched.
I am sorry that I was not there to celebrate his life with you at the memorial on Saturday. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Godspeed Bill... share a laugh and a smile with BJL!
Lynn Norris
October 28, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,
Words can't express how thankful we are for your thoughts and prayers. Billy was dynamic, daring, deep and special. Our experience this week has been more special, positive and "life changing" because of who he was and because of how he touched all of our lives. Thanks for letting us know how he was a part of your lives. As his sister, I loved him for his showmanship, generosity, courage and his affection for children. It's wonderful hearing from all of you.
Truly,
Steve and Donna Gawlik
October 28, 2008
Dan, Lisa, and family,
We are so sorry about your loss and have been keeping you and your entire family in our thoughts and in our prayers during this very difficult time.
Robert Langdon and family
October 27, 2008
To the family of Bill Nicholas:
I am so saddend by the news of Bill's passing. I have been a friend of the Nicholas family since we were kids and I grew closer to Bill later in life when our business careers crossed paths at Baker Victory Services. I admired Bill for his professionalism, committment to his various jobs and his admiration for his family. He will be missed by all. Hold your fond memories of him close to you in your times of need. He was a good man and he is now resting peacefully.
Paul Lyons
October 27, 2008
To the Nicholas Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing away. After reading his death notice, I went and looked at an old scrapbook from my childhood. Billy’s name was in the all the hockey articles (more than mine). He was a great hockey player when we were kids. The one article compared his end to end rushes to Gil Perreault! I have great memories of Billy. We ended up in a class together at Buffalo State when he returned from the Navy. He was the same Billy Nicholas that I knew as a kid. He was passionate, humorous and opinionated. We had a lot of laughs together. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched in so many different ways. He was one of a kind!
Jodi Nicholas
October 26, 2008
Aunt Ann, Uncle Billy, Amy and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers each day.
Whenever I picture "little" Billy, I can hear his laugh and see the passion he had for life.
It takes a special person to touch so many people throughout their life
Matt and Jennifer Bossman
October 26, 2008
Dear Billy and Annie,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marcia Jaeckle-Diagostino
October 25, 2008
The common thread here seems to be Billy's smile! It was one of mischief, but not trouble. He was an amazing person, and although its been years since i've seen him, he will touch my life forever. I was saddened to hear of his illness at our recent reunion, and even more saddened now to hear the news of his passing. There are not many people that leave as big an imprint on other's hearts as Billy did. My prayers go out to you, his family, and all of his many friends, distant and near. God bless you all, and may Billy watch out for you and keep you in his heart.
Mary Lester
October 25, 2008
Dear Anna, Bill and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He is in a much better place now, and pain free. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. "Howie" (Howard Murdock) is watching over him for you, so rest assured Billy is in two sets of very good hands.
Warmest regards,
Bob and Jean Butcher, Debbie (Butcher) Hembrook, Kathy (Butcher) Noto, Mary (Butcher) Lester, Chris Butcher
Kim Sweet
October 25, 2008
"Wild Bill" was one of funniest guys I ever met.
In high school, he had his own way of doing things: unpretentious, daring and real. I admired him for that, then and now.
Later in life, on my first trip to St Bonaventure U in Olean just beginning Graduate school, I was sure I would not know anyone there but on that morning as I was walking up to the building where I had to report, I heard my name shouted out among a group of people waiting to be let in... it was Billy Nicholas!
What an utter surprise. I had not seen him since high school.
We embraced, reconnected and laughed about old times and what had happened to us in-between. Never will I forget his cute grin :) We would go on into our respective master programs occasionally seeing each other and always make a point of stopping to catch up-
I am humbled to know we had that time to be friends again.
He was a treasure to anyone who was blessed enough to know him and will be very sadly missed.
Chris and Morgan Burke
October 25, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was like a big brother to me in my childhood. Billy was a part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Nicholas family.
Dan Nicholas
October 25, 2008
"Thank you" to all who have signed this Guest Book. Your entries each bring so much joy and comfort to our family, at this difficult time.
Seeing your names, brings back many wonderful memories (West Seneca Ice Rick, West Seneca East Senior High School, etc.).
Billy lived an adventurous and eventful life. He was passionate about his beliefs and always had the courage of his conviction to take action. It is clear he has a special place in the hearts of many people.
Please bookmark this page and continue to visit as we will be uploading pictures soon.
In the meantime, keep the messages coming!
Regards,
Dan Nicholas
martin dugan jr
October 25, 2008
TO THE NICHOLAS FAMILY :I WAS VERY SAD TO HERE OF BILLYS PASSING I NEW HIM A LONG TIME AGO WE HAD ALOT OF FUN AND FOUND MEMORIES!!! HE IS AT PEASE NOW WITH GOD BUT WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!
Frances Michienzi
October 25, 2008
We were so sad to hear about Billy's death. He was one of the best guys who hung out at our house on Treehaven with the Godwin and Michienzi kids. We were especially happy when he visited Bob and me when on leave from the Navy. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.
brian riedy
October 25, 2008
Billy and Anna,
Our prayers are with you. Billy was a special guy. He will surely be missed.
Love,
Brian, Sue, Shawn, Marybeth & Lacey Riedy
Debbie Elliott (Block)
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family: I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. News from my mom was he had been suffering a long time. Take comfort in knowing his suffering is over. I'll never forget going to school w/Billy or the days at Ebenezer and sitting with Mr & Mrs. Nicholas at a dinner there and Billy just bursting laughing at how loud my dad's laugh was echoing in the gym. Well, you both knew Harry & what Billy was talking about. My deepest condolences.
Judy Ranic
October 24, 2008
Amy:
My very deepest and heart felt sympathy to you and your children. My prayers are with you.
Heidi Welsby
October 24, 2008
Billy was the kindest, nicest , most HILARIOUS guy!!! I knew him from our young days at the West Seneca ice rink. His smile was contagious, and his eyes sparkled. We used to laugh our heads off..I am shocked and saddened by his passing. There is a very special spot in my heart for him. His family and the kids he loved so much will be in my thoughts and prayers. Heidi (Emhof) Welsby
Joanne (Nicholas) Waver
October 24, 2008
Uncle Billy, Aunt Ann, and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Billy was a person who was full of life and could bring a smile to anyone's face. He will be dearly missed.
John, Joanne, Nick, and Erin Waver
Therese Runfola
October 24, 2008
Dear Caroline & Nicholas Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the many memories of your father comfort you.
God Bless -
Therese Runfola
Mt. Mercy Academy
Lisa Francis Hoffman
October 24, 2008
Dear Nicholas Family,
I am deeply, deeply saddened to hear the news of Billy's passing. It is hard to imagine a world without him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
I will always remember Billy's wonderfully upbeat personality, the twinkle in his eye, his loyalty to his friends and family, his (often mischievous) smile, and his overall zest for life...
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family, especially Amy and the children.
UNCLE DOUG
October 24, 2008
To Amy and family, I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rebecca Amirian
October 24, 2008
May the thoughts and prayers of those who care comfort you during this difficult time. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Maria Keller(Brooks)
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family:
Billy made everyone around him smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Maureen O'Connell
October 24, 2008
Dear Bill, Ann and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were so sorry to hear about Billy.Love to all of you.
Jack & Maureen
Linda Kosta
October 24, 2008
I am a friend of Dan's from The Scientist. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for all of you. It is just too sad when a man goes befor his time. You are all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Linda Kosta
Rachel Boismenu
October 24, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sharon Burke
October 24, 2008
To Bill, Ann and the entire family
Billy has always had a place the the heart of the ''Burke Family". He always came to see me when I was back in Buffalo. I will miss his beautiful smile.
MARTY & NANCY DUGAN
October 24, 2008
Dear Nicholas Family..We are soo sorry to hear about your loss. Billy was a very funny guy..we always enjoyed his visits whenever he would stop over with Tim & Mike.He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..Marty & Nancy Dugan
Susan (Ryan) Mann
October 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dan Neeson Jr
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family- My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I was one of Billy’s Best Friends growing up. I’ve been blessed to have spent much of my younger life with him and his family. No one can replace his passion and energy for life. He lived every minute of it and took you along for the ride. There are so many great stories to tell about him, telling one wouldn’t do justice. One thing is true when telling a story about him, all you had to do was mention “Billy” and you got their attention immediately.
He will always be missed in my heart. My prayers are with all of you.
Tracey McNerney
October 24, 2008
Amy and Family--
I am very sad to hear of Bill's passing. My prayers are with you.
Joel Bearfield
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family - Our thoughts and prayers goes out to your entire family. We will never forget Bill's smile and the way that he touched all of our lives.
Nancy Mulvey
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family: I am sorry sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Billy from his high school years and hanging with his friends in my old neighborhood. He will be missed so very much and I will forever remember him with that huge smile he always had on his face. I know he will always be with you, especially in the love you have for each other.
Nancy Mulvey
shannon Riedy
October 24, 2008
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. God Bless.
patrick o'connell
October 24, 2008
Dear Bill,Anne and family, we are so sorry. Our love, thoughts and prayers. Pat and Pat
Paul Riester & Family
October 24, 2008
To Amy and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Timmy Riedy
October 24, 2008
Aunt Anna, Uncle Billy, Amy and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about Billy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Karyn Benson(Zilka)
October 24, 2008
To the Nicholas Family-My thoughts are with you at this time and it saddens me to know that we have lost such a energetic person! I have fond memories of Billy as kids only a street away from each other. May the stars carry your sadness away, May the flowers fill your heart with beauty, May hope forever wipe away your tears. And, above all, may silence make you strong. My prayers are with you. From an old friend,
Brian Neeson
October 24, 2008
Dear Amy and Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. As a kid growing up Billy spent allot of time at my house and was like another older brother to me. I remember many times Billy taking me ice skating at the town rink and then to his parents for lunch. He always looked out for me as if I was his little brother. When he was home from the Navy on leave, he would take the time to visit our family and tell us about his travels and things he learned. Billy was “one of a kind” and I will miss him very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian Neeson
Ed and Sara Sobkowiak
October 24, 2008
Our deepest condolences. May God give you Strength In Faith during this difficult time. Billy will be missed.
shelly rogalski-laboy
October 24, 2008
dear amy,
i am so sorrry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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