Joseph Isaac Nicholson

DELAND – Joseph I. Nicholson died peacefully on September 24, 2016, at his home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 30 at 11am at First United Methodist Church of DeLand, 115 East Howry Avenue.

Mr. Nicholson was born on January 16, 1921, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to parents Robert H. and Gertrude L. Nicholson. After graduating from Central High School in Chattanooga, Mr. Nicholson joined the United States Navy in 1942, serving as an aviation machinist and gunner. He graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a degree in social work, and then received his Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Mr. Nicholson worked for the child-welfare departments in both Tennessee and Wisconsin, and later moved to Savannah, Georgia, to be director of the Chatham County Division of Family and Children Services.

Mr. Nicholson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Roberta Jean; two daughters, Roberta Ann (David) Ray of Longwood, Florida, and Carol (Art) Intagliata of DeLand, Florida; four grandchildren, Susan (Cory) Shea, Brian (Bridget) Ray, and Joseph and Jennifer Intagliata; two great-grandchildren, Austin Shea and Braden Ray; and brother Robert Nicholson of Black Mountain, North Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Betty Riddle.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of DeLand, or to VITAS Hospice, Volunteer Department, 2381 Mason Avenue, Suite 100, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114.