Charles Amos McIntosh Nickels a lifelong resident of Portland, Maine passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021. Charles was born January 12, 1935 in Fort Fairfield, Maine, to Herbert Lewis and Marion Lois (Morrell) Nickels.
A graduate of Portland High School. He started dating Sylvia Johnson, his future wife when they both were in a play production at the Immanuel Baptist Church where they had met as small children in the choir. They married August 26, 1961; this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He served in the US Army. Much of Charles's work life was spent as a craftsman installing floors from kitchen linoleum to green marble in the Top of the East, Eastland hotel. He started as a flooring installer with Installation Services then worked for many years for Foye's in Westbrook and later at Paul White with a passion for laying beautifully crafted tile floors all over southern Maine.
Charles, called Charlie by his friends, was a long time member of the Williston-Immanuel United Church where at 5 years old he began his lifelong joy of singing in the choir. His passion for music included mid 20th century tunes, hymns, and classical. In addition to the church choir Charles sang with the Choral Arts Society, The Portland Men's singing club, and studied voice with Marshall Bryant. He charmed everyone he encountered with song. The last song he sang was the Lord's Prayer with his brother Hebert.
He enjoyed playing cards with his family-Idiots, Uno, hearts; as well as croquet, mini-golf, golf and he loved to cook. Every meal included onions and potatoes.
A giant of a man with a heart larger than his appetite, he was kind and generous, and beloved by many. Predeceased by his parents and his sister Martha Dziedzic. Charles is survived by the love of his life, his wife Sylvia; his older brother, Herbert and wife, Arlene Nickels of Saint Louis; His nieces and nephews who adored him, Susan Nickels, Saint Louis; Charles Douglas Nickels, Saint Louis; Vicky and her husband Earl McGillicuddy, Gorham, NH; Jen and husband Bruce Sellers, Portland; and great nieces and nephews, Sarah and husband Kyle Killip, Bangor; Luke and wife Jacquie McGillicuddy, Gorham, NH; Mark and wife Maddison McGillicuddy, Nashua NH; Jesse Dziedzic, Portland, ME; Jade Bucha, Portland, ME; and great-great nephews John McGillicuddy and Rowan Killip.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Williston-Immanuel United Church, 156 High Street Portland, Maine.
