Raymond Steven Nichols – Steve- age 69, passed away November 20, 2021. He was born July 9, 1952. Steve was predeceased by his mother, Beatrice Melillo Nichols, and his father, Raymond Hartley Nichols. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Nichols, his nephew Cory Nichols and nieces Alejandra and Diana Nichols, his stepchildren Jack and Hannah McCarthy, his ex-wife and loving friend, Karen McCann Utz and close friend Philip D’Agastino.
Steve grew up in Middlesex County, received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. For many years he worked in New Jersey psychiatric facilities. Steve was amazingly compassionate and fearless in his work with the most severely mentally ill and developmentally disabled patients. At Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital he was known as the Pied Piper of Cottage 16. He would often take groups of patients out for walks on the hospital grounds. They would each be talking and pointing while Steve would hear and respond to each question or comment. Steve also cared for AIDS patients in the 1980’s when few others were willing to do so. For several years, he facilitated a group at Hyacinth AIDS Foundation for men with AIDS.
At the time of his death Steve was retired. Steve was known for his love of Nature and animals, especially snakes. Despite the fact that he was once bitten by a rattlesnake and nearly died, he never lost his love for the creatures. He could often be found hiking the woods or fishing, and he frequently kept pet snakes at his residence. Steve loved jazz, and was an accomplished amateur saxophone player.
A memorial service via Zoom is planned for January 23, 2022 at 6pm. Details will be posted here...
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83040002499?pwd=ZlNwMjQ0UGhCc1ZJM1hJcDJkTEFJZz09
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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com for the NICHOLS family.
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