Robert Howard "Bob" Nicholson's Obituary
Robert Howard "Bob" Nicholson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran and longtime Lewes community member, passed away after a brief illness on June 16, 2026. He was 93 years old.
Born June 2, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, Bob was the son of Samuel S. and Dorothy B. Nicholson and grew up alongside his brother, Samuel Nicholson.
Bob proudly served his country for three years active duty in the Intelligence Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, spending part of his military service stationed in Germany. Bob attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959.
On August 30, 1958, Bob married the love of his life, Jane S. Nicholson. Together they built a life centered on family, community and service. Throughout Bob’s career, the family relocated several times before ultimately making their home in Lewes, Delaware in 1970 where they raised their children.
Bob held a variety of management and business leadership roles. He came to Delaware to manage Doxsee Food Corporation on Pilottown Road in Lewes. From 1987 to 1998, his career included work with Bar Farms.
Bob was a life member of the Lewes Fire Department and remained deeply involved in the community he loved. He was a familiar face around town, from his afternoon coffee club at the Lewes Arby's to family breakfasts at the Lemon Tree restaurant and Ocean Grill. He enjoyed simple pleasures like taking car rides on beautiful Sussex County backroads, dinners at the Miltonian, and going to the Lewes Daily Market to purchase lottery tickets. Bob was known among family and friends for his hearty handshake, remarkable luck and gracious good will.
Of all the places he enjoyed, Bob was happiest on the back porch of his home overlooking Red Mill Pond, where he spent countless hours enjoying the view, reflecting on life and making memories with those he loved most.
Bob's greatest pride was his family. He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Jane. Bob is survived by his children, Amanda Wagner and her husband, Carl; Marjorie Turkett and her husband, Glenn; and Bobby Nicholson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh Nicholson, Julia Nicholson, Craig Stephens (CJ), Robert Stephens and his wife, Madeleine, and Linsey Labson and her husband, Daniel; and by his great-grandchildren, Talan, Joelle and Orion Stephens, and Ansel Labson. He is also survived by his brother, Samuel George Nicholson, three nieces and many dear friends.
Memorial services with full Fire Fighter Honors will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where friends may visit beginning at 9 AM. Burial will be private at St. Peters Pilottown Cemetery, Lewes, DE
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Lewes Fire Department, P.O. Box 225, Lewes, DE 19958 or to Delaware Hospice-https://delawarehospice.org/general-donation.
Please sign Bob's tribute page at this site.
All those unable to attend the services are invited to join the service via livestreaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/12109967/LTWebcast
FLORIST NOTE- PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLOWERS TO THE LEWES FUNERAL HOME BY 3 PM ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert Howard "Bob"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert Howard "Bob"?
Share a story where Robert Howard "Bob"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert Howard "Bob" you’ll never forget.
How did Robert Howard "Bob" make you smile?