Robert A. Nichols, Sr., age 88, of Framingham and formerly of Watertown, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Bob was born on February 7, 1938, in Boston to the late Norman J. and Leila B. (Nashawaty) Nichols. A graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1956, Bob went on to earn a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University in 1960 and later received a Master’s degree in Business from Northeastern University in 1967.
An entrepreneur at heart, Bob founded Nichols Dynamics, Inc., where he was contracted by the federal government to design and build jet engine test cells in facilities nationwide, utilizing his expertise in noise control engineering. He also provided noise control testing and consulting services to companies working to meet OSHA regulations.
Continuing his innovative spirit, Bob turned his focus to office acoustics, designing a soundproof partition to abSORB noise. This led to the creation of the SORBer Soundproofing Division.
Never one to shy away from a new venture, Bob’s purchase of a used Rolls-Royce inspired yet another business endeavor: wedding services. He offered brides comprehensive wedding planning services, including invitations, tuxedo fittings, and Rolls-Royce limousine rentals.
Despite his many professional pursuits, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished time spent sailing with family and friends aboard his beloved boat, the “Lady Eileen.” He especially treasured sailing trips to Bermuda and Nova Scotia.
Bob was the devoted husband of Eileen Toomasian Nichols, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Elena M. Nardizzi and her husband Paul; Robert A. Nichols, Jr., and his wife Robin (Chasen); Jonathan R. Nichols and his wife Donna (Smith); and Dean P. Nichols and his wife Kristen (Wiley).
He was a loving and proud “Grandpa” to his grandchildren: Kayla Mazzara; Stephen Mazzara and his wife Amina; Matthew Mazzara; Bryant Nardizzi and his wife Ella; Bryce Nardizzi; Jared Nardizzi; Nathan Nichols; Trevor Nardizzi; Jonathan Nichols, Jr.; Ashlyn Nichols; Davin Nichols; and Justin Nichols; and to his great-grandchildren: Mila Mazzara; Luca Mazzara; and Cecilia Bloom.
Bob was the dear brother of Kenneth A. Nichols and brother-in-law of Christine M. Murgo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and by his longtime assistant Janice H. Ostrander of 50 years. He was predeceased by his sister, Norma A. Bredbury; sister-in-law, Joan L. Coen; brothers-in-law, J. Robert Coen and Joseph A. Murgo; and nieces, Ghislaine C. Roche and Devonne M. Eslin. He was the son-in-law of the late Peter T. and Julia F. Toomasian.
Bob’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who supported him over the years, especially Tazmann J. Crawford and Sun C. Santos, as well as the dedicated staff of Good Shepherd Community Care, particularly Kelly Mesisca and Blanche Ngu.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Sunday, March 8th from 12-3PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning, March 9th in St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Rd. Framingham at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the charity of one’s choice.
To share a memory with the Nichols Family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home 
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