Peter “Pete” James Nicholas, 91, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026. Born on June 10, 1935, in Butler, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Evelyn Nicholas, Pete was one of five siblings. He developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and especially cherished time at the family camp on Slippery Rock Creek.

Pete attended Grove City College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career in Fontana, California, where he met Paula Jean Hynus. The two married in 1960 and went on to share 66 years of marriage, raising three children and building a life centered on family and faith. During his career as a mechanical engineer, Pete worked for Kaiser Steel, Bourns Inc., Tappan, Amana, and Waterloo Industries. Away from work, Pete had a lifelong love of woodworking, enjoyed flying, earned his pilot’s license, and co-owned two airplanes. His faith was also an important part of his life which he loved to share with others.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles “Perk” Nicholas, beloved wife Paula Jean Nicholas, and second wife Shirley Ross Nicholas. He is survived by three living sisters, Joyce (Nicholas) Ruland of Madison, Ohio, Joan (Nicholas) Moore of Towanda, Pennsylvania, and Jane (Nicholas) Rittleman of Cranberry, Pennsylvania.

He is lovingly remembered by his three children, Deborah Lynn (Kevin) McVey of The Villages, Florida, Daniel Thomas (Joan) Nicholas of Wheaton, Illinois, and David Alan (Heather) Nicholas of Park City, Utah; and his grandchildren, Zachary (Lauren) Nicholas of Harrisville, Utah, Megan (Travis) Linder of La Vista, Nebraska, Hunter (Amy) Nicholas of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Marlena Nicholas of Wheaton, Illinois, and Melanie Nicholas of Wheaton, Illinois.

Pete also leaves six great-grandchildren: Penny Nicholas, Kit Nicholas, Nora Nicholas, Joe Nicholas of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Wyatt Linder of La Vista, Nebraska, and Louisa Nicholas of Harrisville, Utah.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fairway Christian Church in The Villages, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778 (donate.cshospice.org).

Pete will be remembered for his commitment to family and friends, his love of the outdoors, his craftsmanship and curiosity, his passion for flying and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the many years of devotion and care he shared with those he loved.