DAVID B. NICHOLSON

David Brown Nicholson, aged 93, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Middletown, RI. He was a big man with a big personality, well received by family and friends far and wide, who will be deeply missed.

Born in Elgin, IL in 1932, David grew up in Oak Park, IL before moving to Southern California with his mother Elinor and brother Jim to finish high school and attend UCLA. David enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in the Korean War, including time on the USCG White Bush, until he was injured during service. He was honorably discharged.

While living in Southern California, David met and became engaged to Patricia Yarbrough, where love at first sight never faded during their seven decades together. Married on June 25, 1955, they lived in Southern California, New Jersey, and then spent fifty-five years in their home on Elm Street in North Attleborough, MA. It was in North Attleborough that they raised their three children, Scott, Chris, and Danny.

There were very few things that David did not find endlessly interesting. New England sports teams, movies, books, music, and all things historic were part of his daily life. David and Pat built their lifelong interests in their North Attleborough home. In particular, they were collectors of Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia, especially uniforms and documents, favoring all things Abraham Lincoln. They spent many a weekend with children in tow driving to antique shops and meeting fellow collectors throughout New England. They filled their large Victorian house with antiques adorning every wall, closet, nook, and cranny. At one point, David and Pat established The Wooden Nickle, an antiques dealership specializing in uniforms and documents, when those outlets operated as a mailing list. They primarily worked from home, and briefly had an office in downtown North Attleborough.

In addition to antiquing, David was particularly proud of his work experiences in the electronics industry, travelling the country and the world making connections and servicing customers. For a time David served as the President of Hoechst Ceramtec, having established it as a new manufacturing plant on behalf of a European parent company in Mansfield, MA; the company gave him much cause for travel in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Pat accompanied him on several of the European trips, to Germany, France, England, and Ireland. Any family member or friend speaking with David about travel to almost anywhere was certain to be regaled with stories of the people, food, and beverages he saw and enjoyed far and wide.

David was especially fond of gardening, as evidenced by the manmade pond he and Pat built in their backyard with elaborate plantings throughout. Many a garden party, and a wedding, were hosted there. He also grew exotic orchids in his basement greenroom where he spent countless hours tending to his plants. In his spare time, David studied for and became a certified American Orchid Society Judge in the Northeast Judging Center. He regularly judged orchid competitions throughout New England and was a well-regarded grower in his own right.

David was heavily involved in local historical society efforts as well. He was a board member of the North Attleborough Historical Society, helping to renovate and put back in service the Little Red School House in downtown North Attleborough. David was always available to talk about that historic structure, and others throughout the region.

David and Pat's passions also extended to fishing almost anywhere. However, they had a particular fondness for flyfishing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Fishing trips they took together, and with Scott and the grandsons, were memorable, regular, and will be treasured memories.

David's love for and dedication to family was his defining trait. As his children advanced through school and sports, he was a constant feature, cheering them on with his deep baritone from the sidelines. He also embraced the spouses of both Scott and Chris as his own, constantly inquiring of their lives and interests. As grandchildren were born and grew, each felt personally connected to David and Pat - as did each of their spouses - gravitating to them year after year. Many family graduations, weddings, sports events, and family visits included David and Pat, in North Attleborough, and much farther afield. He was loved by each of his family members, old and young.

Preceding David in death was his mother Elinor, his older brother Jim and his youngest son, Danny. David is survived by his wife Patricia, son Scott, daughter Christine Collins (Tim), grandchildren Matthew Collins (Anastasiya), Madeline Coite (Devin), Elizabeth Cochran (Jim), and Brady Nicholson (Michaelah), and six great-grandchildren in Newport, RI and Pepper Pike, OH.

A celebration of life will also be held at a later date to be announced. If interested, please contact Madeline Coite at mvcoite@gmail.com.

The family would like to thank Gigi and Denise for the care rendered to David as his health declined in recent years. In honor of David, memorial contributions may be made to North Attleborough Historical Society, 362 North Washington St., North Attleborough, MA 02760.

Online register book available at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.