Richard Nicholas, 89, died Friday, December 11, 2020. He was currently residing at Longview, an Ithacare Community and previously resided in Florida for a number of years. Born June 4, 1931 in Ithaca, NY he was the youngest son of Abraham Sr. and Susan Nicholas.
Richard retired from Ithaca College in 1994 after 21 years of service.
While participating in Football and Baseball, RIchard was best known for his accomplishments in Wrestling. He was a member of the Ithaca High School Varsity Wrestling team from 1948-1950 and won 3 consecutive Section IV championships during his tenure. He was a team captain in 1950 and qualified for the Olympic trials in 1949. He is a member of the IHS and Section IV Halls of Fame.
Forgoing college Richard decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. He was awarded a Letter of Commendation, Korean Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Medal for Military Merit and a Medal Pendant for his heroism in the Korean War as a Hospital Corpsman attached to a Marine Unit who rescued numerous soldiers from the front lines of battle.
He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years Edith Nicholas in 2011. He is survived by four children: Pamela Arsenault (George) of Brooktondale, NY, Richard Nicholas (Stephanie) of Ammissville, VA, Joseph Nicholas of Center Lisle, NY, John Nicholas (Kate Handy) of Ithaca, NY, two step children, Sherry Wright of Port Richey, FL, and Larry Hinkle (Jan) of Cortland, NY., 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and 9 nieces and nephews.
There are no services planned at this time.
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