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Robert Merton Nichols was born May 27, 1926, at home in Moorheadville, Harbor Creek Township, Pennsylvania, the son of Emmett and Agnes (Moorhead) Nichols. He graduated from Harbor Creek Central High School in 1944, a year early, in order to enlist in the United States Navy. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Pacific Fleet aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), attaining the rating of Boatswain's Mate Third Class. After the war, he attended Edinboro State Teachers College (now Edinboro University of Pennsylvania). Recalled during the Korean War, Robert participated in the recommissioning of the U.S.S. Tarawa (CV-40). Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 32 years, Rose (Simonian) Nichols, in 1999, and by two brothers (James Nichols and Harvey Nichols) and two sisters (Ellen Baybrook and Mary Turner). He is survived by a son, James E. Nieder II (Karen Wurst); four daughters: Deborah L. Nichols (Bill Helwig), Kathleen M. Nichols (Van Jacobson), Natalie Nichols (Don Waller), and Samantha Nichols (Ed Helenski); three grandchildren: Geneva (Niederwurst) Crowley (John), Tevis Nichols, and Amanda Nichols; and one great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Crowley. He is also survived by his special friend, Violet Peter, of Louisville, Ky. For more than 25 years, Robert owned and operated Seneca Mineral Co., Inc., providing dust control and de-icing services to townships throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania. After his retirement, Robert and Rose built a house in Leesburg, Florida, spending the colder months there but returning to Erie County during the summers. Robert was an active, sympathetic man with a questioning mind and a lively sense of humor. He valued friendship and sociability, belonging at different times to the University Club, the Erie Maennerchor Club, Lawrence Park Golf Club, and Lake View Country Club. Robert and his son Jim relished their long-standing friendly competition at the game of golf, which he also enjoyed playing with his good friend Bob Martin. Robert's many hobbies included boating, reconditioning vintage Ford Mustangs, and building model ships and cars. He loved to travel, taking his family on regular driving vacations to many parts of the U.S. as well as Canada. In his retirement years, he attended and helped organize ship's reunions with crew members from the U.S.S. Gilbert Islands. Robert was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Harbor Creek, Pa. In Florida, he attended the Presbyterian Community Church in Howey-in-the-Hills. Robert loved dogs since boyhood and had many canine companions over the years. He is survived by Boots, one of several miniature German Schnauzers he owned. After a courageous struggle of several months with multiple medical conditions, Robert passed peacefully from this life on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012. Donations in memory of Robert M. Nichols may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Erie (http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/en/Hospitals/Locations/Erie.aspx) or Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania (http://www.eriefoodbank.org/). The family will observe a private celebration of Robert's life. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East. Please send condolences to www.elkinfh.com
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To the Nichols Family, I am submitting this on behalf of my dad, Tom Weinheimer. We were sorry to hear of Bob's passing and wanted to offer our condolences in your loss. My father has lost a very good friend, our parents had known each other for many years in both PA & FL. May memories of happier times help you through these dark days. With deep sympathy, Thomas Weinheimer (North East) & Debra Weinheimer Mills (FL)
Debbie Mills
December 1, 2012
Dear Sam, Nat, Deb, and Family,
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Bobby.As the days and weeks pass,and as you return to lifes routine may you feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. we love you all and will miss him dearly.
Sincerley, Jennifer and Andreanna Maguire
December 1, 2012
I am sad for the loss of Bob, my good friend and fellow Mustanger (he sold us our first and still our favorite Mustang). Bob visited our home nearly every trip to Erie and welcomed us as guests in his home in Leesburg. He will be be deeply missed.
Anne & Jerry Seamans
November 30, 2012
Samantha, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, he was always such a kind and loving person, he will certainly be missed by all.
Dona Farrell
November 30, 2012
To Sam and family, I'm so very sorry for you loss. I always had the Utmost Respect and admiration for Bob he was a wonderful man . My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely Timothy Nather
Tim Nather
November 29, 2012
Samantha and family we are sorry for your loss our thoughts are with you. Pat Carney and Joe Geppert
Patrick Carney
November 28, 2012
deeply sorry for your loss I will keep your family in my prayers you have my deepest sympathy
mary hoibraten
November 28, 2012
My dear friend is gone, but his kindness will always be remembered. Many great memories with Bob. My condolences to Samantha and Jim and the rest of the family.
Danny Kilanowski
November 28, 2012
To the Nichols Family
I am sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Holly Taccone
November 28, 2012
To all of Bob's Family and close to him,
I was very sorry to hear about Bob. We had breakfast here in Erie together for many years. He will be missed.
You have my deepest sympathy.
John Agostini
November 28, 2012
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William D. Elkin Funeral Home - North East65 South Lake Street, North East, PA 16428
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