Gregory “Grey” B Nichols August 06, 1950 – April 28, 2019 Share this obituary Send Sympathy Gifts Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card| Memorial Donation After a long battle with cancer, Gregory “Greg” Blane Nichols passed away peacefully on April 28, 2019. Greg was born on August 6, 1950 in Salt Lake City, UT. A very proud American, he was a direct descendant of Dutch immigrants who settled in New Amsterdam (NYC) in 1662.
Following his parent’s divorce, Greg moved to northern California and lived with his mom, grandparents and younger brother John. His mother remarried and he had many good memories of attending baseball games with his stepfather and watching the NY Yankees on TV as a youth. Although Greg’s biological father was absent for much of his life he always considered him his hero and he loved him very much.
Following high school and a short stint in junior college, Greg joined the US Navy during the Viet Nam War and served as a sailor on the USS Hancock, completing 2 ½ Western Pacific naval cruises, and 22 ½ months off the coasts of north and south Viet Nam. Following his discharge in 1973 he returned to California to earn an AA in Photojournalism from Napa Community College and then a BA in Information and Communications Studies from California State University, Chico in 1977. He considered completing his degree to be one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.
After graduating Greg worked at a couple of newspapers as a photojournalist but decided that a career in the military was the life for him. This time he joined the US Army. Greg loved the Army and was extremely proud of becoming a Warrant Officer in 1987.
He often spoke of the time he was stationed in Germany, the countries he visited, and all that he was able to tell us from his days working in military intelligence. After serving 16 years in the Army Greg retired in 1997 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. Between the Navy and Army, Greg gave 21 years of his life serving the country he loved.
During his career Greg was awarded the following honors: Meritorious Service Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal (4) Army Achievement Medal (2) Army Good Conduct Medal (3) National Defense Medal Viet Nam Campaign Medal (3) Viet Nam Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Primary Leadership Medal Army Service Medal Overseas Service Medal (3) Meritorious Unit Citation (USS Hancock For Viet Nam Service) In 1995, Greg married Nancy Lynn Miller. With this marriage he gained a stepdaughter, Lori and later his grandson Matthew. He enjoyed his new role as a stepdad and especially loved being a grandpa.
He and Nancy loved boating and spent many summers on their boat docked in the Atlantic Highlands, NJ marina. He lovingly referred to Nancy as his first mate and fishing buddy. Greg and Nancy also enjoyed attending spring training for the New York Yankees where he collected player’s autographs.
After 16 years living in Gillette, NJ they moved to Lopatcong, NJ where they enjoyed their neighbors and became very active members of a community they loved to call home. Following Nancy’s death in 2016 Greg continued to be a loyal step dad to Lori and grandpa to Matthew while battling his illnesses. He spent his remaining years enjoying photography and time with his girlfriend Linda.
Greg is predeceased by his wife Nancy Lynn Nichols; mother Eleanor Fitt; father Robert Nichols; and brother John Nichols. He is survived by step-daughter Lori Tidona and grandson, Matthew Tidona, of Stewartsville, NJ. Memorial funeral services will be held Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. to time of services in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation.
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