Mr. Lawrence A. "Larry" Nichols

WHITESBORO - Mr. Lawrence A. Nichols, aged 79, passed away at home on Friday, July 27, 2018 with his family by his side. Lawrence was a brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, and mentor. Lawrence was born in New York City to Charles and Vashti Nichols on August 27, 1938. He was educated in New York City public schools and attended Hunter College at the age of 16. He married the former Carrie Lee Patten on May 9, 1958 at Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Harlem, New York. They shared in a loving union for 60 years. Lawrence enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an airman from 1958 to 1967. He was employed by IBM, Manpower Development Center, and taught English to immigrants at the Bleecker Street School. He was a counselor for Marcy Correctional Facility and retired in 2001. As a young husband and father, Lawrence attended Utica College of Syracuse University and graduated, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies in 1973. Lawrence was a founding member of the Mohawk Valley chapter of Frontiers International in Utica, New York. As a past president and member of the Frontiers, he volunteered extensively in the community. Over the years, he worked with young people as a mentor, teaching skills they would need to become successful adults. This included fundraising for the annual HBCU college tours for high school seniors, pancake breakfasts, and field trips. He received the Internal Service award for his years of volunteer service from Frontiers International in 2016. Lawrence spent an extensive amount of time volunteering his services to the Utica community. In the early years of their marriage, Lawrence and Carrie were blessed with three children. Being a father brought Lawrence a great deal of joy. He was always very proud of the accomplishments of his children, no matter how great or small. He greatly enjoyed entertaining relatives and close friends at parties in his home and attending social gatherings. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was happiest traveling with his wife, family, and close friends. He was an avid reader and passed his love of books to his children and grandchildren who have lasting memories of reading with him. Lawrence is fondly remembered by the love of his life, Carrie, daughters, Karen Nichols of Utica, and Cheri Brown (John), of Las Vegas, NV. He held close to his heart the memory of his son Kevin E. Nichols, and his grandson Daniel Alexander Brown who preceded him. He also leaves his grandchildren, Kenichea Nichols of Utica, Sabrina and Weslee Brown of Las Vegas, NV, and Avery Brown (Brooke) of New York City; and his sister Jacqueline Hunt of New York City. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and members of the community at large including special friends David and Angela Smith of New Hartford. Lawrence was predeceased by his sisters Segrid, Leola, and Carmen; and his brother Oliver. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00-12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lawrence’s funeral service and Home Going Celebration which will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Air Force. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mohawk Valley Frontiers or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery.

Mr. Lawrence A. "Larry" Nichols

August 27, 1938 - July 27, 2018