Milton E. “Milt” Nichols, 73, of Bradford, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, NY.
Born April 3, 1941 in Bradford, he was a son of the late Howard and Dora (Woodruff) Nichols. On October 5, 1963 he married Winifred “Gay” (Thomas) Nichols, who survives.
A 1959 graduate of Bradford High School, he began his career at Corning Glass Works. In 1966 he began his military service with the United States Air Force. Milt served during Vietnam as an Airborne Early Warning Radar Technician where he performed in-flight repairs and electronic systems maintenance. He was cited for meritorious achievement and among other honors was awarded an Air Medal by direction of The President of The United States for completing important missions under extremely hazardous conditions. He was honorably discharged in 1969. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
After Milt’s military service, he began working for Pennsylvania Electric Company. In 1982, he began his career with Bechtel Power Corp. and worked for many years in mechanical and electrical maintenance, construction field engineering, start-up engineering, and emergency management in various U.S. power plants. He also held positions writing technical and training documentation. He retired from Bechtel in December 2003 as an Emergency Management Department consultant for the Nevada Test Site in Las Vegas.
He was an avid automobile and aviation enthusiast and trained as a personal aircraft pilot. He also enjoyed home repair projects. He was quick to laugh and a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, he is survived by a son, Michael Nichols, of Wayne, MI; a daughter, Brenda (Tony) Nicotera, of Williamsville, NY; two grandchildren, Tyler Nichols and Kevin Leaper; four great grandchildren, Landon, Meredith, Nayvin and Larenzo; a brother, Howard E. Nichols, Jr. and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Annette Pire and his brothers Archie Nichols, Charles Nichols and Gale Nichols.
Family will be receiving friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday, April 10, 2015 in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., South Avenue and again from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Saturday, April 11, 2015 where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Matthew McDonald, pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in Willow Dale Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Stroke Association, 9707 E Easter Lane Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com