Richard C. Nickerson

ORLEANS — Richard C. Nickerson, 87, of Orleans, died Thursday, June 12, 2008, in Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis.

He was the husband of Audrey (Holmes) Nickerson. They have been married for the past 65 years.

Born in South Eastham, the son of Herbert Doane and Hattie Sparrow (Charles) Nickerson, he attended Eastham Grammar School, which is now the Eastham Historical Society Building, and graduated from Orleans High School. He also graduated from Stockbridge Agricultural College at the University of Massachusetts and from the New England Institute in Boston.

In 1940, he obtained his private pilot's license and was a member of the Chatham Flying Club. He enlisted in the Navy in early 1942, and after training at Newport, R.I., was transferred to a Y.M.S. (Yard Mine Sweeper) based in San Diego, Calif., where he served as the representative of the Medical Corps as a pharmacist mate. During most of World War II, the ship was in the Central and South Pacific. He was transferred from the ship to receive a commission as a line officer. He was released to inactive duty in late 1945. His last duty station was at the Charlestown Navy Yard, where he served as watch officer of the USF Constitution. He had a crew of eight or nine men whose job was to maintain the old ship.

Upon his return to civilian life, he lived in South Eastham where he was employed by his father at his funeral home on Bridge Road. In addition to that job, Audrey and Richard became involved in land development, construction and cottage rentals. While living in Eastham, he was a member of the Town Finance Committee and chairman for at least one year. He was a charter member of the Orleans Yacht Club, where he enjoyed participating in the races and other activities.

About 1955, he purchased the funeral business, Nickerson Funeral Home, from his father and constructed a new facility on Eldredge Park Way. Shortly after the purchase, they acquired the Wellfleet operations on Main Street, and also built a new facility at Crowell Road in Chatham. He later devoted more efforts to building, leasing and the development of land. He was corporator of The Cape Cod Five Cents Saving Bank for many years. In 1959, he was elected as director of Cape Cod Trust Co., with offices in Harwich and Orleans. After the merger with Hyannis Trust Co., it became CCB&T. After 35 years, he was elected as an honorary director.

In 1969, they acquired their first land in Punta Gorda, Fla., and built their home. In Florida, he was charter members of St. Andrews South Golf Club, the Isles Yacht Club and the Elk's Lodge in Punta Gorda.

He was a former member of Fraternal Lodge, IOOF, Universal Masonic Lodge, where he was active in the Masonic Club and a past president, and later became a 32nd degree mason. He was a member and past president of the Orleans Rotary Club, a former member of the American Legion Post 308 of Orleans for 57 years, and a former member of the Elks Lodge 2606 for 17 years.

Besides his wife of 65 years, he leaves two daughters, Nancy Manfredi of California and Phyllis Boufford of New York; a son, Byron Nickerson, of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Christopher Manfredi, Matthew Manfredi, Rachel Manfredi, Geoffrey Cowen, Drew Nickerson and Paige Nickerson; and four great-grandchildren. He was the grandfather of the late Peter Michael Cowen.

His visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in the funeral home, at 2 p.m., followed by his burial in Orleans Cemetery, Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Orleans Rescue Squad, Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653.

Nickerson Funeral Home

508-255-0259