John R. Nichols, 85, of Learn Settlement (Commodore) PA died peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, PA.
The son of Edwin H. and Eva (Mahan) Nichols, he was born on July 16, 1937 in West Chester, PA.
John graduated from Downingtown High School in 1955. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a B.S. in Animal Husbandry and was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. He served as a pilot from 1961 to 1970, flying the P-2 Neptune and P-3 Orion.
On May 27, 1961 he married the former Sara Shaffer and they shared almost forty-nine years together before her death on April 27, 2010.
John was a dairy farmer operating the Quarterhome Farm in Learn Settlement from 1971-2004.
He was interested in antique tractors and cars. One of his favorite pursuits was keeping current in the latest dairy farming practices. John was a lifetime NRA member.
After retirement, John cleared and maintained the old Learn Family picnic grounds that had become pasture. He was often seen talking with friends who stopped at his garage. John enjoyed keeping up correspondence with his old Navy buddies and classmates by regularly sending cards.
John is survived by his three children: Sandra (Nichols) McCracken and husband David of Mechanicsville, VA; John Nichols and wife Janis of Learn Settlement, PA and Bruce Nichols and wife Kim of Montpelier, VA; his six grandchildren; Riley McCracken of Mechanicsville, VA; Camden Nichols and fiancé Bailey DeLeo of Philadelphia, PA; Paige Nichols Herndon and husband Connor of Stephens City, VA; Jonah Nichols of Indiana, PA; Allison Nichols of La Jolla, CA and Jared Nichols of Montpelier, VA; his great-granddaughter Ophelia Nichols of Indiana, PA; his extended family comprised of cousins, nieces, nephews and his special friend Ruth Griffin of Bonney Lake, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sara, and his two brothers Joe and Charles Nichols.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA, where a 3:00 p.m. memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Paul Price and Len Bealko immediately following the gathering.
In recognition of John’s appreciation for his local fire company and first responders, memorial contributions may be made to the Commodore Fire Department at 410 Musser Street, P.O. Box 132, Commodore, PA 15729.
Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign John’s guestbook and share a message.