Arthur “Art” Nichols, Jr.

Arthur “Art” Nichols, Jr. , 87, of Dover, passed away October 15, 2016 in the Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

A son of the late Arthur, Sr. and Mary (DeLuca) Nichols, Art was born October 17, 1928 at Dover, Ohio.

In 1946, Art graduated from Dover High School where he was a tremendous athlete.  He was a four year letterman in a variety of sports.

After graduating, Art enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for 8 years.  He Served in the Korean War, on the USS Valley Forge.  Art retired from Union Camp after working as the chief mechanic for 45 years.

Art was known to be the life of the party.  He enjoyed singing at weddings and spending time with his family.  He was an exceptional golfer and enjoyed teaching as much as he did playing.  He was a life time member of the Dover VFW and Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

Art is survived by his two sons, Ralph (Pauline) Nichols and Patrick Nichols; five daughters, Chantal Vega, Pamela (Kevin) Riley, Paula (Lewis) Cross, Peggy Kellogg and Patty Applebee; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and two sisters, Penny Zurcher and JoAnne (Joe) Hammond.

In addition to his parents, Art is preceded in death by his loving wife, Elly Nichols, whom he married April 12, 1975 and five siblings, Ralph Nichols, Lee Waddington, Josephine McKnight, Valia “Pete” Nichols, and Albert Nichols; a grandfather, John DeLuca and granddaughter Erin Hootman.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 3 to5 pm in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.  A service celebrating Art’s life will follow at 5 pm in the funeral home with Deacon Ron Fondriest officiating.  A meal will follow the service in the hospitality room of the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Burial will take place at a later date and cremation care will be handled through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.

Memorial contributions in Art’s memory may be made towards Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.