Obituary of Thomas Richard Nichols III

Thomas Richard Nicholas III ended his life’s journey on this earth as he was wrapped in God’s loving arms and entered into heaven from the comfort of his home surrounded by family after a brief illness on Friday, February 06, 2026.

Thomas was born on May 7th, 1950 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas Richard Nicholas Jr. and Grace Lorraine Edkins Nicholas. The family moved to Cortland N.Y. in 1955 where Tom attended Pomeroy School. Tom graduated from Cortland High School in 1969. Tom served in the United States Navy on the USS Wasp (CVS 18) during the Vietnam War and held the specialty title and number of YN-2500 Yeoman Basic. During his time in the navy he received the National Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Mekong River Conflict medal, and (5) Civilian Service awards. Also during his time in the service he completed Dental Tech. school; NTC for BRM; and On the Job Training services.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy on May 13th, 1970 he attended Tompkins Cortland Community College and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in 1977. Tom married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Margaret Ann Briggs on June 24th, 1972 at St. Mary’s Church of Cortland, N.Y. Tom worked at Gutchess Lumber in Cortland, N.Y. for 15 years and later went on to work as a lab technician in the Agronomy Department at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

Tom was a long time communicant of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Cortland, N.Y. He was a member of the VFW Post 2354, a boy scout leader at Pomeroy School, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He attended and enjoyed many years at Horizon House. Tom enjoyed watching his game shows on T.V. and writing to this many family and friends which gave him much happiness. His greatest joy was always his family whom he enjoyed watching grow over the years. Recently he began video chatting with his children and grandchildren which allowed him to remain close and involved in their lives as they lived out of state.

Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 53 and ½ years, Margaret Ann Briggs Nicholas, his daughter Lisa (Mark) Withers of Old Hickory, Tennessee, his son Eric (Amanda) Nicholas of Easton, Maryland, his 5 grandchildren : Maria Bradley of Tennessee and Adalyn, Ainsley, Mason and Max Nicholas of Maryland, Cousin Harriet Campbell of Louisiana and cousins Linda Keisling and Janice Davis both of Pennsylvania.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Richard Nicholas Jr. and Grace Lorraine Edkins Nicholas, his brother Richard (Nick) Nicholas, and a cousin Jay Campbell.

A special thank you to Dr. Jagadish Malakar and the staff of 2C at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center for the wonderful care that Tom received during his very difficult journey. The family will be eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers please consider making contributions to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Cortland, N.Y. or Hospice of Cortland County.

The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 from 5 pm to 7 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 50 Pomeroy St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 50 Pomeroy St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045

Riccardi Funeral Home of Cortland, N.Y. is handling the arrangements.