Henry K. Nichols

Henry �Hank� Nichols, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, at the Holyoke Soldiers� Home. Born in Queens, NY to the late Henry and Margaret (Kunkel) Nichols, he lived in North Kingstown, RI for over 30 years before moving to Wilbraham in 2011. He served proudly in the US Marine Corps during World War II. He was a member of the 4th Marine Division serving in the Pacific Ocean in amphibious invasions at Roi Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He was commended for Meritorious Achievement and received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 4 Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. He was named the Distinguished Veteran of the Year in 2002 in East Greenwich, RI. Hank was truly a member of the �Greatest Generation.� Upon returning from the war, Hank earned a Bachelor of Science at New York University in Manhattan, NY. He then went on to continue his career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. as an underwriter for over 40 years. Hank was a very active member of St. Paul�s Episcopal Church in RI and became a member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Wilbraham. Hank will be remembered as an avid bowler and square dancer. He enjoyed playing Bridge and other card games and spent many quiet hours reading and collecting stamps and coins. Hank will be most remembered as being a kind and selfless man to his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Muriel (Kane) Nichols, his three children; Debra Cataldi and her husband Joseph, Nancy Pitaro and David Nichols, and six grandsons; Joseph, Michael, Ryan, Brett, Kevin and Derek. He was predeceased by his two brothers; Kenneth and Chester Nichols. Hank�s Funeral Service will be Monday, December 29th at 12 Noon at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 pm at MA Veterans� Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holyoke Soldiers� Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040 or to Alzheimer�s Assn., 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104.