Obituaries

John Dennis Nichols of Madison Twp. was born October 6, 1946, and passed peacefully to life eternal surrounded by his family on June 25, 2023. His parents were the late Clarence Earl Nichols and Maida (Ryan) Nichols. John was a lifelong resident of Madison Township. He married Donna E. (Henrie) Nichols, April 1, 1967. His family has long wondered if they are really married or are playing the best April Fool’s joke. We may never know.

John is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Robert Nichols, William Nichols, Faye (Nichols) Kline, and Frances Nichols.

John is survived by his wife, Donna, two sons: Dwayne (significant other Karen Jacobs) and Brian (wife Salvatrice), six grandchildren: Curtis (wife Rachel), Janessa, Brent (wife Grace), Briana, Heather, and Hannah, and two great-grandchildren: Marcus and Lillian, as well as brothers Donald, Richard, and David and numerous nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Millville Area High School in 1964 and began working on the family farm. From there he secured a job at Agway Feedstore making deliveries to local farms. Eventually he shifted to delivering fuel oil and gasoline, and eventually began working on heating systems. In 1986, John opened J&L Heating.

John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting. Many stories about hunting exploits have been told over the years. He also enjoyed camping, both at Rickett’s Glen and the family’s hunting cabin in Sullivan County. John was a member of Boy Scout Troop 43, Jerseytown as a boy. In 1980 he became Scoutmaster for the same troop and held that position until the troop folded in 2022. His whole family is still active in scouting today. Again, many stories can be told of those years and the many boys that John watched over during that time. During John’s tenure as scoutmaster, he helped guide numerous scouts to the Eagle Rank.

Another highlight of John’s life was taking his family on a month-long trip to western Canada and the United States. Along the way, the family visited Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada; the 1983 World Scout Jamboree in Calgary, Alberta; Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks; Pikes Peak; and family in Nebraska and Illinois.

A service of remembrance and celebration will be held at Trinity Church, 84 Lombard Avenue Danville PA on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Pastor David Layser officiating assisted by John’s son, Pastor Dwayne Nichols. Friends will be received from 9:00 to 10:45 AM. Burial will be private.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the BSA Venturing Crew 43, care of Millville Christian Church, PO Box 130, Millville PA 17846, or Trinity Church, 84 Lombard Ave, Danville PA 17821.