Arthur E. “Artie” Nichols, 76, of Crystal River, FL, passed away on Tues., Oct. 4, 2016 at Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast Hospice House, Lecanto, FL. A native of Greenport, L.I., NY, he was born May 24, 1940 to Arthur K. and Mary (Stepnoski) Nichols, one of three children. Mr. Nichols’ professional working life held two facets. He retired from Plum Island Animal Disease Laboratory in New York, a position he held for over 25 years. Artie, as he was known to many, as a young man also attended the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, CT and from that experience he became a gifted chef at Claudio’s Restaurant, Greenport, NY. Mr. Nichols also held that position for equally as many years, working nights and weekends, fulfilling his passion for food. Artie moved to Crystal River in 1998 from his native Greenport and was an active parishioner of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Nichols; daughters Colette Nichols-Watson and Noreen Minhas, all of Crystal River, FL; son Andy Nichols (wife Shakoya), Wilmington, NC; grandchildren Elijah Nichols, Craig Wilson, twins Ally and April Vincent, Cecilia Watson and great grandchildren Hailey and Hunter Robbins. In addition to his parents, Artie was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Nichols and Evelyn Quayle. Friends will be received on Fri., Oct. 7, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sat., Oct. 8, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River, with Fr. Richard Stradomski, Celebrant. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Artie’s family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast or a charity of their choice.
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