J. Richard “Dick” Nichol

John Richard "Dick" Nichol, age 64, of Washington, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, on November 15, 1961, he was the only son of E. Richard and Carol Ann Mihalek Nichol.

He graduated from Bethlehem Center High School in 1979, where he met Kimberly Sue Daniels, who would become the love of his life. Dick attended Washington & Jefferson College for two years, participating in ROTC, and then graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1982.

He was a faithful man belonging to Laboratory Presbyterian Church for many years and then Arise Christian Fellowship.

For over 40 years, Dick served as a funeral director and owner of Nichol Funeral Home, first in Marianna and later in Washington, working with his wife, mom, and later daughter. Alongside this, he pursued his enthusiasm for driving as owner of Diamond Trucking & Paving Inc. in Scenery Hill, enjoying cross-country hauls and forming relationships with local companies.

Throughout his life, Dick engaged in various community roles. He grew up in Marianna, where he developed a passion for baseball, first as a player and later as a coach.

He served as a longtime member of Marianna Volunteer Fire Company, worked as an EMT and later a paramedic for Nichol Ambulance Company, and belonged to several organizations including the Scenery Hill Lions Club (where he served as past president), Washington Elks Lodge, Sunset Masonic Lodge No. 237, and the American Red Cross. He also helped establish the former nonprofit Marianna Community Love Outreach.

Despite his strong work ethic, Dick valued the joys of life. As a child, he cherished time spent with his grandfather learning to shoot, trips in his grandparents' Corvette, fishing and hunting with loved ones, motorcycle rides, snow skiing in the West, boating, snowmobiling, golfing, and running equipment. He enjoyed hosting gatherings and spending quality time with family and friends.

Dick’s greatest pride was his family. He loved coaching his daughter’s softball teams, both at TWIST and with the Washington Bombers, whom he helped lead to victory at the NSA World Series. Being involved in his daughters’ and grandchildren’s lives brought him immense joy. He delighted in attending their activities, family trips to the cabin, amusement parks, and Kure Beach. Dick found pleasure in listening to classic country music and caring for his dogs and granddogs.

On August 21, 1982, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly Sue (Daniels) Nichol, at Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center. In addition to his wife of 43 years, Dick is survived by two daughters: Melissa Lynn (Kurk) Sergeant of Washington and Ashlee Marie "Peanut" (Brett) Grandstrand of Washington; four grandchildren: Aleena Nichole “Princess” Grandstrand, Bryce Richard Mark Grandstrand, Kurk John Thomas Sergeant, and Matthew James Sergeant; sister-in-law Michelle (David) White; brother-in-law Don (Cathy) Daniels; nephew Jason White (Kelli Gingerich); nieces Megan (Thomas) Archer and Heidi Daniels; as well as great niece, great nephews and Twinkie his little lap dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Donald and Darlene Daniels; maternal grandparents John and Elenore Mihalek; paternal grandparents Elmer and Peg Nichol; and John "Bubby" and Virginia "Gege" Shrontz.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday from 12:00–4:00 p.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Tim Lindsay and Pastor Gary Gibson. Interment will follow at Horn Cemetery, Marianna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations where his grandchildren played sports.

TWIST Softball c/o Brett Grandstrand 135 Vance Station Rd., Washington, PA 15301

Washington Youth Baseball c/o Chris Ondrejko P.O. Box 851 Washington, PA 15301

Chartiers Houston Soccer Club

Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs c/o Pat Sadler 100 Vista Drive Building 1Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Outlaws Fastpitch Premier 13U Grandstrand 135 Vance Station Rd. Washington, PA 15301

An online guestbook may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com