C. Paul Nickle

C. Paul Nickle, 88 of West Grove, PA, passed away suddenly at home on August 2, 2018.  Paul just last week was given a clean bill of health by his oncologist.  So we are fairly certain he died of a broken heart as he had been mourning the loss of the love of his life, Alta, since February.

Paul was born December 12, 1929, to Alice and Wilbur Nickle in Elkton, MD.  He grew up in Cecil County and joined the North East Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 15.  At the time of his death, he was the oldest living member of the fire company.

Paul graduated from North East High School and began his career as an electrician.  He soon married Betty Jane Pickell and together they had six children.  Paul eventually started C. Paul Nickle, Inc. and with the help of his brother John and best friend Richard Owens, built it into a first class electrical contracting company, at one time providing jobs for over 150 people.

He enjoyed duck hunting and deep sea fishing; he especially enjoyed taking others out fishing.  Whether at the monthly Optimist’s Club meeting (he was a member), or at home with friends, Paul could often be found with a cigar and a glass of fine scotch.  He had to give up cigars and most of the scotch for health reasons.

In 1973, he married Alta Kephart and they had 44 years filled with success, travel and adventure, some hardships, challenges and great love.  They traveled to many parts of the world, walked together on the Great Wall of China, sailed around Cape Horn, visited the southernmost city in the world and came within 300 miles of the North Pole.

With all of that came great sadness; in addition to his parents and beloved wife, Paul was preceded in death by four of his children: Lynn Taylor, age 36, Paul A. Nickle, age 38, David Nickle, age 48 and Mark Nickle, age 44.  Each of them took a piece of his heart with them.

Paul is survived by a son: Roger and his wife, Lee of Newark, DE; a daughter: Suzanne Moore of Milford, DE; grandchildren: Kirstin Meloro, Matthew Nickle, Jessica Wood, Beth Twardus, Jennifer Brown, Amy Thomatis, Renee Taylor, Nicholas Collins, Morgan Collins, Kyle Nickle, Rebecca Nickle, Danielle Moore and Michael Moore; 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.  Paul was also blessed with many great friends from FL to PA and he treasured all of you.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend memorial services for Paul, conducted by Rev. Ray F. Graham on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited, in care of the funeral home.

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