Joseph N. Nichols, Jr. (Brother Jay, Bro. Joe, Uncle Joe, Brother, and Uncle Brother)
February 25, 1949 – June 25, 2024
Joseph N. Nichols, Jr., affectionately known by many names, passed away at the age of 75 on
June 25, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts. Born on February 25, 1949, and raised in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, he was part of a large family with five brothers and five sisters, being the second
eldest.
Growing up in a musically talented family, Joseph shared the same interest and talent in playing
various musical instruments as his parents and siblings, including the piano and saxophone.
Joseph attended M.E. Fitzgerald Elementary School and Rindge Technical High School, during
which he dedicated his heart to the Lord. He later pursued higher education at Northeastern
University, where he studied Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology, earning a B.S. degree.
Following his graduation, he began his career with the Boston Public School System as a
Speech/Language Pathologist.
While in college, Joseph served as the Young Adult Sunday School teacher at the Apostolic
Pentecostal Church in Cambridge. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an ENT
Specialist. During his active duty, he attended Fitchburg State College, earning a Master of
Education degree in Generic Special Education.
Upon completing his military service, Joseph met Lorna Gregory, who later became his wife in
1982 and had begotten a son, Joseph Nichols III, in later years. He became an active member of
the New Testament Church of God, serving in various capacities, including Sunday School
Teacher, Local and District Youth Director, Bus Driver, and Musician. Joseph was also a
member of the Gideons International.
Joseph had a passion for working with his hands, undertaking numerous electrical contracting
and oil burner repair projects with masterful results. He also enjoyed driving and helped over one
hundred people obtain their driver's licenses. His love for teaching extended to reading, and he
founded Thetford Ave. Phonics Clinic in 1996, awarding reading certificates to over two
hundred individuals. He also founded Thetford Ave. Heating Services and Beyond, among other
ventures. He had many hobbies that included bee keeping, taxidermy, playing video games,
mastering marksmanship, and so much more.
Although he retired from the Boston Public School System, Joseph continued to practice
Speech/Language Therapy as an Independent Contractor at a charter school. His devotion to his
wife, son, and faith in Jesus Christ was unwavering, as was his commitment to his local church
and the broader community. He generously shared his time, talents, treasures, and gospel tracts
with those he felt guided to bless.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife Lorna Nichols, his son Joseph Nichols III, his father Joseph
Nichols Sr., and his siblings Esther Splaine, Mayetta (Cissi) Brown, Paul Nichols, Robert (Rob)
Nichols, Richard (Kevin) Nichols, Linda Gomes, Gail Rodriguez, Glen Nichols, and Karen
Guteng and leaves behind to morn a host of nieces & nephews, in laws and friends. He was
predeceased by his mother Stella Nichols, who passed away in 2006, and his brother John
Nichols, who passed away in 2023.
Memorial Information:
• Date: Saturday, July 20th
• Link for Live Stream: https://www.redshade.studio/joseph-nichols-iii-livestream
• Wake / Funeral Service: 9 AM / 10 AM - Greater Faith Worship Center Campus, 120 Safford St, Boston, MA 02136
• Final resting place: Mt. Hope (Veteran Section), 355 Walk Hill St, Boston, MA 02131
• Repass: 2pm - Russell Auditorium, 71 Talbot Ave, Boston, MA 02124
Special Thanks:
• The nurses at The Klarman Building at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Nurse Joane from New England Medical Life for the at-home visits
• Casper Funeral Services
Favorite Quote:
• “All is well that ends well”
Favorite Bible Verse:
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths ~ Proverbs 3:5-6