Richard W. Nichols

Richard W. Nichols (Fuzzy), 94, of Meadville passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the home of his daughter, surrounded by family.

Rich was born at home February 10, 1932 in Spartansburg, a son of Ralph and Clella (Bacon) Nichols. He lived with various relatives in Sparty, Titusville, Townville and Meadville after the death of his mother at 5 years old.

He married Gladys F. Hager July 20, 1952. Rich was a Corporal in the US Army, joining at 17 years old upon the death of his father. He served in the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division from 25 July 1949 through 10 September 1952. He was a cook assigned as an ambulance driver on the front lines in Korea for 18 months. He served at Incheon and Pusin Reservoir (Frozen Chosen). He was awarded the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal & United Nations Service Medal. Following his discharge, he went back to farming, working for his father-in-law, then his brother-in-law.

He was a member of Watson Run E & R Church which later became Watson Run Church of Christ, where he served on Consistory and was an interim minister. He then joined Conneaut Lake Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Vernon Central Hose Co, Stafford American Legion Post #111, where he served as Chaplain, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post #2006.

He is survived by daughter Robin (Ed Jr) Kline, daughter-in-law, Sherry Nichols; grandchildren Leslie (Rick) Forinash, Julie (Scott) Donati, Ryan (Mark) Feczko, Renee (Brian) Blystone, Edward (Jennifer) Kline III, BoDavid Nichols, Angel Nichols, Jason Hinshaw; great grandchildren Joe Michaud, Kaylie (Michael) Evans, Tyler (Jen) Forinash, Nathan Williams, Marcus Blystone, Brandon Forinash, Lauren Kline, Madalyn Kline, Eric Feczko, Ethan Feczko & Addyson Feczko; great great grandchildren Micha Forinash, Harper Evans and Parker Forinash, brother-in-law David (Karen) Hager and sister-in-law Twilia Hager.

In addition to Gladys and his parents, he was preceded in death by sons R Wallace Nichols & John W Nichols; grandsons Philip Nichols and 1LT Eric C Kline and siblings, Pearl (Gladys) Nichols, Clarence (Dorothea) Nichols, Paul (Artea) Nichols, Herman Nichols, Ida (Harold) Pfeifer, Lila (Ray) Holabaugh, Vera Lilliebridge & Evelyn (Jack) Hardenburg.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday 5-13-26 from 12:00 PM until the time of service in ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 12422 CONNEAUT LAKE RD., CONNEAUT LAKE. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday 5-13-26 at 1:00 PM in the funeral home with Rev. Sam Heagy, officiating.

Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens where the VFW Post #2006 will render Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the charity of your choice.

Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.rosefh.com