Richard A. Nichol

Richard A. Nichol, 82, of Orchard Park, NY, went home to our Lord on July 15, 2022. Richard and his high school sweetheart at Collegeville – Trappe High School, Dolores, were residents of Harleysville, PA for almost 60 years. Dolores met Nick, her nickname for him, in 10th grade, and even though he couldn’t dance, his sense of humor and nice car won her over. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in June.

Born December 18, 1939, in Jeffersonville, PA, he was a son of the late Robert Nichol, Sr.. and Mary (Shulby) Nichol. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Richard spent most of his young life in Skippack, biking for miles on his paper route, camping in the woods, fishing and racing his adored brother Bobby home from school for Mary’s fudge.

He was a successful businessman, having opened a barbershop with Bobby and then later, Nichol Bros. Auto Sales. The brothers also had a harness horse racing business, a hobby that let them indulge their love of horses and the track. For the last four decades of Richard’s work life, he ran Richard Nichol Recon, a car wholesaling business. Richard worked hard but he loved every minute of it, especially representing his cars on the auction block. He took great pride in the fact that when the gavel dropped, it was likely his car brought a premier because of his reputation for quality reconditioning work.

Richard and his family were long-time members of Trinity Christian United Church of Christ. After retirement he volunteered there on the Property Committee. He enjoyed watching his Philadelphia Eagles play football, golfing and shooting pool, activities all made better by “a little wager.” While he knew more about cars than just about anyone, his true superpower was knowing where to get “the BEST” food. The BEST ring bologna – Zerns.  The BEST fasnachts (PA Dutch donuts) – Giant in Souderton.  The BEST milkshake – Specs (Chocolate, no syrup!). Few things brought this man more joy than a well-made Philly cheese steak (onions, cheese, sauce and no peppers!) 

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by two daughters, Kelly McDonald and her husband, Kevin, and their sons, Jack and Will, of Dallas, TX; and Tracy Friedman and her husband, Rick, of Buffalo, NY. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Nichol, Jr and his wife, Jane, of Harleysville, PA. He loved giving his much-loved daughters advice, busting his valued son-in-laws’ chops and bragging about his treasured grandsons’ accomplishments and character. He was generous with his cherished family in all things but TV watching.  When it came to TV, at his house or theirs, he controlled the flicker. Richard’s quick wit which allowed him to make friends so easily was inherited by his grandsons. They will continue his legacy of cracking up the whole table at dinner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 10am on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Trinity Christian United Church of Christ, 2009 Church Road, Skippack, PA. Because of Covid 19, the family will not be greeting attendees in a receiving line nor hosting a luncheon, but know they are very appreciative of the opportunity to share space in the church with those who cared for Richard. The family respectfully requests that everyone wear a mask at the service. Burial, which will follow in the adjoining church cemetery, will be a private ceremony for just immediate family. For those desiring, contributions may be made in his memory to Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center at https://www.roswellpark.org/giving/donate/honor-memorial-gifts or Trinity Christian United Church of Christ at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=h1WFByvJbcgXPvdAxBISB9FZSuTjujGH096aywt9SVxO9fD8qh4CLguu_BcSVYgP5AzVOBrU03-ea3xI.  Funeral arrangements are by the R. L. Williams, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. of Skippack, PA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.         

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