Charlie Bob Nickell-USN Ret., of 1135 Flanders Road, died Saturday at Mary Elizabeth Convalescent Center after a brief illness.
He was born in Olustee, Oklahoma on April 14, 1919, the son of George W. Nickell and Laura Pride Holly. He was raised in Texas, where he received his education.
He married Gloria LaFlamme on November 11, 1947 in Key West, Florida.
Mr. Nickell entered the Navy on 1940 and was assigned submarines Pacific at Pearl Harbor. He was at Sub Base Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked it on December 7, 1941. He later took part in the Battle of Midway as part of the submarine screening force, and continued to serve on the Dolphin until the summer of 1943. He reported to the Sub Base, in Groton where he attended numerous schools and then was assigned to the US Odax, SS 484. After serving on five boats as C. O. B. he retired from the Navy in June of 1963.
He than was employed as a Quality Control Inspector of Pipefitting Systems at Electric Boat, and retired from there in 1981.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Patricia Cooke of Ridgefield, CT, Karen Massaro of Old Mystic and Laura Rieger of Carolina, RI., three grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two children, Mary Jane Nickell and Steven Nickell.
The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 6-8pm.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11am at Shepherd of the Sea Chapel, Gungywamp Road, Groton. Burial with Military Honors at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic. Donations may be made to the WWII Sub Vets Scholarship Fund.
POST- FUNERAL NOTICECharlie's Funeral service was conducted on Thursday morning at Shepherd of the Sea Chapel with Chaplain Crouterfield officiating.
Words of rememberance sent via Email to the family were read by Charlie's daughter, Laura.
Special music selections included the Navy Hymn and How Great Thou Art, which were sung by Carol Pratt, a family friend.
Burial with full military honors followed at a Mystic Cemetery.