Thomas Francis Nichols

Tom was born July 15, 1934 in White Plains, New York to the deceased Francis and Rose Nichols. He graduated from Arch Bishop Stepinac High School in 1952 and from New York University in 1956. After his graduation from NYU he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country. On September 2, 1961 he married Carolyn Bobrek and thus began their incredible 57-years of marriage. Tom was employed with Western Electric/AT&T where he was selected to participate in their management training program. Tom spent the next 35 years in various management positions which required many moves throughout the country as well as an overseas assignment in Iran. While in Iran, he served as Director of Procurement and Logistics for American Bell International as well as on the Board of Directors of Tehran American School. After retiring from AT&T, he became an entrepreneur, author, speaker and instructor, creating an accreditation program for accounts payable professionals. Tom had a dynamic career of leadership, mentoring and success for himself and those around him.

Tom’s passion, beyond his family, was a great love of golf, which started as a thirteen-year-old caddie at Winged Foot Country Club in Mamaroneck, NY. In later life he golfed regularly at Windermere Country Club where he was fondly known as “The Mayor of Windermere Club.”

Tom was a family man. He instilled in his children a love of learning, a desire to succeed, and a commitment to serve the community. Always loving and supportive, he strived to set the example of what a father should be.

Throughout his life, Tom had the ability to approach people, engage in conversation and truly get to know them as an individual. He never forgot a name, or the details of their entire life. Tom could also weave a story like no one else, being blessed with the gift of gab and a wonderful sense of humor. He is cherished by his family, friends and certainly by his thousands of former co-workers across the United States.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn and sister, Jean Perin of White Plains, New York. He leaves behind three children, Thomas Nichols Jr. and wife Carrie of Charlotte, North Carolina, daughter Robin Judge and husband Jim of Greensboro, North Carolina, and daughter Suzanne Levi and husband Darin of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has eight surviving grandchildren: Austin and Buckley Nichols; Ashley, Ryan and Anna Judge; Jillian and Kyle Levi; and Olivia Bobrek. He has joined his angel grandson, Trevor in heaven. Tom is also survived by two loving nieces, Kim Grieco and Kristen Fuerst.

A celebration of life will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road in Gotha, Florida on Sunday, February 24. Greeting with the family will begin at 2:00 P.M. with a service to immediately follow at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the following organizations in memory of Tom:

Nathaniel’s Hope, an organization dedicated to providing hope and practical assistance to kids with special needs and their families, in honor of his deceased grandson, Trevor. Online donations can be made at nathanielshope.org

Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, an organization that provides therapeutic equine riding programs to special needs children in Charlotte, North Carolina, in honor of grandson, Buckley. Donations can be made at miteyriders.org. The First Tee of Central Florida (The Payne Stewart Giving Society), an international youth development program introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Donations can be made at thefirstteecfl.org