Dave Nichols

Guitar Maker, David "Dave" R. Nichols, 81, of Malone passed away on January 22, 2025 at Champlain Valley Hospital, Plattsburgh with his family by his side. Dave was born on April 22, 1943 to the late Marvin and Ruth (Heatherington) Nichols, in Massena NY.
Dave attended Massena Central and graduated from there before furthering his education at Canton College of Technology, Oswego, and Syracuse University where he earned his Doctorate in psychology. Dave used that degree and worked at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg until he retired in 1977 to follow a passion that came to play in 1959. In his high school shop class, Dave built his first of many guitars, because it was the time of Elvis Presley and Old Country and he wanted to play a guitar, so he built one. Dave went on and taught himself the delicate work of making a guitar to the beautiful inlay work of his master pieces. Dave's work became world know. He has done custom work for Martin and Gibson Guitar Companies since 1968. His guitars have been in the hands of many fine musicians; Willy Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash and Ricky Skaggs to name a few, along with two guitars in the Vatican.
Dave could be seen on the stage playing one of his own guitars at many local blue grass festivals with his Dave Nichols and Spare Change Band. Dave's love for blue grass and wood working stems back to when he was a young boy growing up on the family farm, watching his grandfather and father, who were both clock smith and gunsmith. Dave took what he had learned from them and himself, and went on to hold classes over the years to show others how to make guitars and mandolins along with the fine art of inlaying.
Dave was a member of the Sons of Amvets in Malone, where he was a past commander for many years. He was a member of the Baptist church in Malone and also a member of SUNY Canton Hall of Fame. He was quick to joke and liked a good prank.
Dave will sadly be missed by his sons; Matthew and Jackie of Madrid and Michael of Ohio, his brother; Phil and Connie of Oregon along with his three granddaughters; Justine, Taylor and Brooke. Dave is predeceased by his parents and a son Mark.
Per his request, there will be no services. Donations in Dave's memory can be made to Malone Amvets Post 8, 1474 CR # 25, Malone, NY 12953
Condolences can be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.