William John Nichols

(William) John Nichols, of Naples, Florida (formerly of Ithaca, NY), died peacefully in his sleep on August 8, 2018.  John was born in Penang, Malaysia on May 15, 1930 to British parents Edgar and Marion Nichols.  His family returned to the U.K. shortly before WWII.

John attended the Royal Aircraft Establishment Technical School in Farnborough, England where he received a degree in engineering.   In 1954, John married Dorothy Dalton of Nuneaton, England.  Later that year, he moved to Germany with his bride to serve with the British Royal Air Force.  Then in 1964, John brought his young family to the United States.  He worked at Therm, Inc. in Ithaca, New York, until his retirement as Senior Vice President.  John and his wife relocated to Florida in 1999.

John’s greatest passions were family, world travel, and golf.  He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dot, and their 4 children and spouses - W. John and Wilma Nichols, Jane and Dan Struble, Ruth Nichols, and Elizabeth and Paw Mikkelsen.  He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and their spouses - Tom and Caitlin Struble, Eileen (Struble) and Greg Sullivan, Sarah (Nichols) and Stephen Hurley, Ben Struble, Rachel Nichols, and Margit, Oliver, and Abigail Mikkelsen.  John was also blessed with 4 greatgrandchildren - Eleanor and Adeline Struble, Isabel Sullivan, and James Hurley.  John is also survived by his sisters Joyce Sweet and Elizabeth Baulkwill and their families in England.

Known affectionately as Papa, John loved his wife and family.  He will be remembered by many as a true gentleman.  We will miss you, Papa.  We love you now and always.  - Your loving family.

Services will be private.