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Joseph Nichols Obituary
Father Nichols was born in Lebanon, Pa., on May 4, 1921, son of Robert A. Nichols and Retta Nichols. He received an undergraduate degree from Frankin & Marshall College and a degree in philosophy at St. Jerome College in Ontario, Canada. Father Nichols completed his theology studies at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pa. He was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Norwich on May 19, 1962, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese in Pennsylvania.
Father Nichols served in his first assignment as assistant pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Middletown. In 1965, he was assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Pawcatuck, and six years later as assistant pastor at St. Joseph Church in New London. In 1914, Father Nichols became the pastor of St. Joseph Church in Dayville and administrator of St. Ignatius Church in Rogers. In 1986, he was appointed pastor at St. Mary in Baltic. In 1990, Father Nichols was appointed Bishop's liaison with the retired clergy of the Diocese.
Father Nichols is survived by his cousin, Robert M. Gillin of Bryn Mawr, Pa.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert Nichols; and his slsters, Valerie, Joan, and Frances Nichols.
Father Nichols' body will lie in state from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, with the Funeral Mass immediately following, celebrated at 2 p.m. by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. Burial will be in the family plot in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lebanon, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Patrlck School, 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 or to St. Joseph School, 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT 06330.
Guillot Funeral Home, 75 South B. St., Taftville, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Nichols
Former member of his church
September 5, 2023
Father Nichols was a wonderful, gentle man and a true servant of God. I remember him fondly from my years at St. Joseph in Dayville.
Susan Russell
March 26, 2012
Father Nichols was a very kind and gentle person. I remember him from St. Michael's while I was growing up. He used to come visit my grandmother also and give her communion. He had a nice smile and was very caring. We missed him very much when he left St. Michael's. As a student at St. Michael's I always remember how kind and good he was with the all the children,truly a man of God. Rest in peace Father- but I know there is another angel if not a saint in heaven.
Tayon
March 16, 2012
I Knew FR. Joe and he was great. RIP Father!
Mary & Sam Porter-Price
March 16, 2012
What a kind and gentle person Father Nichols was! We came to know him when he was the pastor at St. Mary's Church in Baltic. Each Christmas we would exchange Christmas cards. He would always include a personal note. Heaven certainly has another angel! We will miss your smile!
gina debona/carter
March 15, 2012
i remeber fr. nichols from st joseph's church in new london ct. r.i.p. fr nichols
Marvin Goldie
March 14, 2012
Dear Father,
The Greatest Generation. Thank-you for your Naval service. Thank-you for your priesthood. May Almighty God richly bless and reward you for all that you have done. Rest in peace.
March 14, 2012
I will remember Fr Nichols as a kind, gentle man, certainly a wonderful priest, a careful confessor. I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him... I agree.. he is with the Lord now, where he can help watch over the flock. Godspeed, Fr Nichols! Pat and Debbie Hudd, and Gage Brown
March 14, 2012
He was a lovely, caring man. Always there to say hello with a smile. The children loved him. Rest in Peace.
L. A. Ducat, Dayville, CT
Lynne Magrey Gravell
March 14, 2012
My condolences to out the Fr. Nichols's family. He was my priest at St. Joseph's church in Dayville while I was growing up. He was my favorite father, he will be missed by many. He is with the Lord where he can continue to watch over the many children and family's he befriended in his years as a priest. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and take with me always.
Lynne Magrey Gravell
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