George C. Nickels

A heart of gold stopped beating, two willing hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best. George C. Nickels, 89 of Waits Rd., passed away on Monday morning, Aug. 3, 2009 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elvira Nickels; daughter and son-in-law: Barbara and Jerry Adams, of Newark Valley; son and daughter-in-law: Daniel and Diane Nickels of Owego, his sisters: Nora Hyde, Hilda (Dean) Wakefield, Betty Stephens; sister-in-law: Marion "Nancy" Nickels; his grandchildren: Andrea Adams of Lititz, PA, Beth (David) Peck of Dryden; Sarah (Marcus) Zumwalt of Davidsonville, MD; Jennifer Nickels (Tony Simielo) of Rome, PA, Christopher (Lynette) Nickels of Nichols, great grandchildren Sean and Erin Peck, Bethany Hartwell and Ethan Nickels, Audra, Asher and Micah Zumwalt. Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. George was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Peter, John, Philip, Christine and Helen. George was born on January 29, 1920 in Hamden, CT a son of the late Peter T. L. and Elizabeth (Koch) Nickels. On June 30, 1943 he married the former Elvira Shumway and together they owned and operated a dairy farm on Waits Road until their retirement in 1989. He also retired from the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and was a retired school bus driver for the Owego-Apalachin Central School District. George always looked forward to having a cup of coffee and visiting with his friends. As a farmer, he loved all animals and especially enjoyed watching the bluebirds in his yard. He will be remembered as a good and kind man, noted especially for his integrity. A Funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 7 at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 So. Main St., Nichols with his grandson-in-law, David Peck, officiating. Interment will follow in the Nichols Cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the funeral chapel. Memories and condolences may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com. Friends who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Southside Fire Station c/o Harry Dodge, 52 Robison Rd., Owego, NY 13827 or Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 in loving memory of George C. Nickels. George's family would like to extend loving thanks to Hospice personnel Jaynine, Debbie, Marie, Heather, Dixie and Amy.