Roger E. Nichols, 88, a lifelong resident of Keene, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Keene Center Genesis in Keene, after a brief period of declining health.
He was born a son to the late Dorothy (Banks) and Karl T. Nichols on March 13, 1934 in Keene. He was educated locally at Keene High School. On August 24, 1951, Roger joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on November 21, 1960.
On March 5, 1955, Roger married the love of his life Carolyn Putnam at the Court St. Congregational Church. They were happily married for 51 years until she passed away on August 26, 2006. Roger was fortunate enough to find love again.
He exchanged vows with Willa Mitchell on April, 25, 2009 and were happily married for the past 12 years until she passed away on January 11, 2022.
Roger was formerly employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 30 years until he retired on March 13, 1989.
Roger enjoyed running in marathons and even ran the Boston Marathon two times and
also enjoyed biathlons. He would spend his time going biking, hiking, kayaking, and playing golf and softball, and traveling. Roger was a big Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol. Roger played on the United States Marines Baseball team while stationed in Hawaii. He was a part of the Keene Senior Center Swingers organization, a member of the Moose Lodge, Keene Senior Center, and the Rough Riders retired postal cycling club. Roger was a member of the United Church of Christ.
Mr. Nichols is survived by his three children, Cathy Gray and her husband Peter of Keene, Kelley A. Nichols and her husband Gary Trapani of Langdon, and Terri L. Skantze and her husband Norman of Wolfboro, along with his brother George Nichols of Winchester. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Nicholas Garon and his wife Raven, Benjamin Gray, Eliza Gray, Jane Skantze, and William Skantze, along with four great grandchildren Kaydin, Kennedy, Elijah, and Niyam. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is now rejoined with his two siblings Nancy Keating and Richard Nichols.
Calling hours will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, May 13, 2022, with a funeral service at 1:00pm at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. A burial to follow at Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. Although flowers will be greatly appreciated, the family has requested that all donations may be made out to the Keene Senior Center, 70 Court Street, Keene, NH. 03431 or to Hospice and Community Services, Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
