Robert William Nichols of Independence Township, formerly of Allamuchy Township and New Providence, NJ, passed away on December 14th, 2022 at home, peacefully, with loving family at his side. He was 100 years, 10 months old.

Born in Port Chester, NY on Feb 17, 1922 to parents Harold I. Nichols and Emma (Pichardt) Nichols. He was predeceased by brothers Irving, Richard, and Harold Nichols. He grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and graduated from Albert Leonard High School.

He served in World War II, spending 2 years in the Panama Canal Zone, where he achieved the rank of Brigade Sergeant  Major.  Returning stateside and graduating from Officers Candidate School, he was sent to Europe to serve with the 84th Infantry Division as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as an infantry rifle platoon leader in France during the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Battlefield Promotion to 1st Lieutenant during his time in France and Germany. He earned The Purple Heart, A Bronze Star, the European Theater Medal with 3 Battle Stars, and a Combat Infantry Badge.

Upon his return home to New Rochelle, he met and married Patricia Jane (Fuller) Nichols. Their partnership would last 71 years until her death in May of 2017.

He was employed by Foster Wheeler Corporation for 41 years and retired as Manager of the cost estimating dept. in Jan of 1985.  He was a member of the American  Association of Cost Engineers.

Robert volunteerd his time with many organizations over his lifetime. He was an Elder at the New Providence Presbyterian Church, serving on many committees and supervising the care of their Cemetary for over 20 years. He was a member of the NP First Aid Squad for 15 years and graduated with his wife Jane as EMT’s in Overlook Hospital’s first EMT class. He was an Eagle Scout and led troops in Long Island and New Jersey for 32 years.

In 1974, he and his wife Jane jointly received the Citizen of the Year Award for New Providence and Berkeley Heights.

He leaves 4 children, Douglas R. Nichols (Joan Neil) of Victoria, BC, Canada; Barbara Donnelly (Mike) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Patricia Swanson (Jeffrey) of Hackettstown, NJ; and Janet Kelly (Kevin) of Coarsegold, Calif. He had 8 grandchildren, Emily Old (Chris), Eugene Kozuk, Kaaron Yablonski (John), Lara Clarke (Jake), Stephen Swanson, Keith Swanson (Cathryn), Kellyn Swanson (Tyler), and Mianna Beard (Bennett).  He also leaves 9 great grandchildren, Hayden and Hanna Old; Paisley and Teal Beard; Caleb Yablonski; Henrik, Ivan and Vera Clark, and Kyra Johnston.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Judes Hospital for Children and 11th Hour Rescue.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com