Nicholas

Peter “Pete” James Nicholas, 91, of The Villages, Fla., passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.

Born June 10, 1935, in Butler, to Charles and Evelyn Nicholas, Pete was one of five siblings. He developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and especially cherished time at the family camp on Slippery Rock Creek.

Pete attended Grove City College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career in Fontana, Calif., where he met Paula Jean Hynus. The two married in 1960, and went on to share 58 years of marriage, raising three children and building a life centered on family and faith.

During his career as a mechanical engineer, Pete worked for Kaiser Steel, Bourns Inc., Tappan, Amana and Waterloo Industries. Away from work, Pete had a lifelong love of woodworking, enjoyed flying, earned his pilot’s license and co-owned two airplanes. His faith was also an important part of his life, which he loved to share with others.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles “Perk” Nicholas; beloved wife, Paula Jean Nicholas; and second wife, Shirley Ross Nicholas.

He is survived by three living sisters, Joyce (Nicholas) Ruland, of Madison, Ohio, Joan (Nicholas) Moore, of Towanda, Pa., and Jane (Nicholas) Rittleman, of Cranberry.

He is lovingly remembered by his three children, Deborah Lynn (Kevin) McVey, of The Villages, Daniel Thomas (Joan) Nicholas, of Wheaton, Ill., and David Alan (Heather) Nicholas, of Park City, Utah; and his grandchildren, Zachary (Lauren) Nicholas, of Harrisville, Utah, Megan (Travis) Linder, of La Vista, Neb., Hunter (Amy) Nicholas, of Fayetteville, Ark., Marlena Nicholas, of Wheaton, and Melanie Nicholas, of Wheaton.

Pete also leaves six great-grandchildren, Penny Nicholas, Kit Nicholas, Nora Nicholas and Joe Nicholas, of Fayetteville, Ark., Wyatt Linder, of La Vista, Neb., and Louisa Nicholas, of Harrisville, Utah.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Fairway Christian Church, in The Villages, Fla.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778, cornerstonehospicefoundation.org.

Pete will be remembered for his commitment to family and friends, his love of the outdoors, his craftsmanship and curiosity, his passion for flying and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the many years of devotion and care he shared with those he loved.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.