Bruce R. Nichols, 80, of Edgewater, FL, passed away peacefully at Advent Health New Smyrna Beach on Thursday, November 14, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 Years, Catherine Nichols.

Born in Needham, Massachusetts, Bruce was a lifelong resident of New England, living in Sandwich, MA for 26 years before moving to warmer climates in Edgewater, where he enjoyed riding motorcycles, swimming, and tinkering with cars. Bruce enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves immediately following High School. During his six years of service he was a dedicated seaman, proudly serving his country. Following his service in the Coast Guard, Bruce channeled his love of working on cars into a career in antique car restoration as a welder and metal fabricator. It was there where he honed his craft, and became a master at restoring cars, which he then passed on to his two sons.

A proud Freemason for 46 years, Bruce was an active member at the New Smyrna Lodge No. 149. He was also Lifetime Charter member of the AMVETS Post 2, in Edgewater, where he developed his deep sense of camaraderie with fellow veterans at the post, often leading weekend motorcycle rides, sharing meals, or stories of days past. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard De Mille Nichols, and Esther Gerlach Nichols, and by his brother, Kenneth Nichols.

In addition to his wife, Bruce is survived by his two children, Steven and his wife Anne of Okauchee, WI, and Brian and his wife Kara, of Melbourne, FL; his loving grandchildren, Lily, Liam, Clayton, Morgan; and his sister Barbara Nichols DiCicco and her husband, Richard DiCicco of Exeter, RI. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday 11/25/2024 @ 12:00PM at Sea Pines Memorial Memorial Gardens, 3001 S. Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL 32141.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to:

AMVETS Post 2 1209 S. Ridgewood Ave. Edgewater, FL 32132