The Rev. Joseph Edward Nichols, 90, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died Monday, March 12, 2012, in Windham, Conn. Father Nichols honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and faithfully served the Catholic church as pastor of several parishes in the Diocese, including Saint Mary Parish for 10 years before retiring in 1996. In retirement, Father Nichols is fondly remembered for his visitation of the sick and his familiar presence at Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. Father Nichols was born in Lebanon, on May 4, 1921, son of Robert A. Nichols and Retta Nichols. He received an undergraduate degree from Franklin and Marshall College and a degree in Philosphy from St. Jerome College in Ontario, Canada. Father Nichols completed his theology studies at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto. He was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Norwich on May 19, 1962, by the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. Father Nichols served in his first assignment as Assistant Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Middletown, Conn. In 1965, he was assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Pawcatuck, Conn., and six years later as Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Church in New London, Conn. In 1974 Father Nichols became the Pastor of St. Joseph Church, in Dayville, Conn., and Administraor of St. Ignatius Church in Rogers, Conn. In 1986 he was appointed Pastor at St. Mary in Baltic, Conn., and in 1990 Fasther Nichols was appointed Bishop's Liaison with the Retired Clergy of the Diocese. Father Nichols is survived by his cousin, Robert M. Gillin of Bryn Mawr. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Robert Nichols; and his sisters, Valerie, Joan, and Frances Nichols. Father Nichols' body will lie in state on Friday, March 16, 2012, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, Conn., with the Funeral Mass immediately following, celebrated by the Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the family plot in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Patrick School, 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360; or to St. Joseph School, 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT 06330. Guillot Funeral Home, 75 South B St., Taftville, Conn., is in charge of arrangements. Published in Lebanon Daily News on March 14, 2012