Obituary of Richard A. Nichols

Richard A. Nichols, 82, of Cazenovia passed away Friday, March 21, 2025 at Crouse Community Center in Morrisville. He was born September 10, 1942 in New Woodstock to James and Beatrice Nichols and grew up working on the family’s dairy farm. Richard was a self-employed mason by trade and also worked for Frank Palmer in New Woodstock. He had been the caretaker of the Cazenovia First Presbyterian Church for many years. Richard enjoyed deer hunting and assisting the pit crew of his son, Dwight Nichols #14N DIRT car racing team. Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence Nichols; his sons, Dale Nichols of Cortland and Dwight (Debi) Nichols of North Syracuse; his daughter, Melissa Nichols of Cazenovia; his siblings, Jack (Phyllis) Nichols, Marjorie Wall, Sandy (Richard) Potts, Jeannette Custer and Rodney (Kayla) Custer all of North Carolina; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Pete Custer; his brothers, Jim, John and Kenneth “Tuff” Nichols; his sisters, Donna Whitaker, Linda Parker and Gail Spry. A calling hour will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2025 with services to follow at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. Burial will be in New Woodstock Cemetery. Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Drive, Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Condolences for the family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.