ILION – William “Bill” R. Nichols, Sr., age 79, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Wynn Hospital, Utica.

He was born on January 8, 1947, in Herkimer, the son of Ralph J. Nichols and Leona (Kinney) Nichols and graduated from Ilion High School. Bill was a Veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the Seabees from 1967 to 1971. Mr. Nichols was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Oneida County Correctional Facility in Oriskany NY, for over 20 years. Bill was proud to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, Utica. He also was a member of their Golf Club and enjoyed their Friday night fish fries.

Surviving family members include his daughters, Jennifer Zimmer and her husband, Dennis, of Aberdeen MD., and Kristi Broadbent and her husband, Jamie, of Rome, NY; two sons, William Nichols, Jr., of Utica and Shawn Nichols and his wife, Miho, of Kentucky; several grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Susan (Hall) Nichols.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life Service will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., at The Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, 10513 Cosby Manor Road, Utica, NY 13502.

Friends and relatives may leave a memory of Bill, or add to his online memorial at www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to The Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, 10513 Cosby Manor Road, Utica, NY 13502.

Bill’s service arrangements are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director, Don Applegate, of the Enea, Ciaccia and Applegate Funeral Directors, 102 West St., Ilion, NY 13357 (315-895-7722).