Commander Paul M. Nichols, United States Navy-ret., passed away in his home on Nov. 18, 2017.

Born 1939, Commander Nichols served 33 years in the U.S. Navy to include five tours in Vietnam. Commander Nichols later went on to serve as Chief of the Abingdon Rescue Squad and Safety Officer at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

An avid volunteer and community member, the impact of his loss is felt by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celeste Nichols of Gloucester; his children, Scott, Zach, and Linda Nichols of San Diego, California, Michelle Dupree of Jacksonville, Florida, and Lauren Cecora of Lincoln, California.

There will be no local memorial service.

If the community wishes to make a donation to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society in Commander Nichols’ honor, the family would welcome the support.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Riverside Hospice, the VIMS community, and his friends, Roland and Billy, for their friendship over the years. Saluti.