John Harrison Nichols, 86 of Chestertown, MD passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024.

John was born on June 29, 1938 in Corvalis, Oregon, son of the late John G. and Lorraine Harper Nichols. At an early age his family moved to Delaware where he was a graduate of William Penn High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1962-1964. In 1965 he married Constance and they began their family. John owned and operated Nichols Pool Supply for over 45 years, retiring in 2018 and at times drove a school bus for 30+ years.

He enjoyed gardening, bowling, camping, playing golf, watching sports especially the Eagles and Phillies, playing board games, traveling with family and friends (especially longtime friend, Penny Carney) and his yearly trips to New England for the fall foliage with his wife. He loved sports and children and was a coach for Galena's Church League Youth Basketball team. His true passion was spending time with those he loved.

He loved playing Santa Claus for family and friends and for several years played Santa at Dover Mall.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Constance and his brothers Charles and William Nichols.

Mr. Nichols is survived by his children, John Jeffrey Nichols of Crestview, FL, Grace Marie Eyler of Chestertown, MD and Tara Jean Hopkins (Jeffrey) of Lacuna, IA; a sister Lavonne Carden (Jack); grandchildren, Kimberly Skye Rittenberry and her husband Joseph, Jenna Hopkins and Scott Hopkins and 4 great grandchildren, Raina Skye Rittenberry, Joseph T. Rittenberry, Jr., Rosalee Hopkins and Ricky Hopkins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11:00 am at the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, MD where friends may call after 10 am. A continuance of John's Celebration of Life luncheon will follow afterwards at Cheswold United Methodist Church, 97 Main St., Cheswold, DE.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a favorite charity of your choice.