Saratoga Springs, NY - Robert G. Nichols departed this life on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Riverside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Castleton-on-Hudson. He was 91.

Born on May 31, 1925, he was the only child of the late Myrtle (Barnes) Nichols and Gerald Nichols. He was a master mechanic and the proprietor of Nichols' Garage on Mitchell Place for decades. A proud veteran of World War II, he served honorably in the Army Air Corps, later known as the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. From 1943 to 1946, he trained in Florida, Colorado and West Virginia, where he graduated from Davis and Elkins College during his enlistment. Upon his return to Saratoga Springs, he immediately began work at Nichols' Garage with his father, and soon after, married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Groff.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia (Groff) Nichols and cherished son, Robert G. Nichols, Jr. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Beth Nichols Hesse and Robert Hesse of Castleton-on-Hudson, and his granddaughter, Lauren Hesse, of Brooklyn, who was a source of tremendous pride to him. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Smith, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Scott and Judy Groff, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Always an engaging storyteller, Bob was widely known for his sense of humor. His good nature attracted a diverse group of customers, many of whom would gather for coffee and conversation even when their cars did not need repairs. Photographers, artists and writers, including columnist Craig Wilson, attempted to capture Bob's engaging personality and the vintage vibe of the garage, which seemed to be set in another era. It was a true neighborhood gathering place.

He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Saratoga Springs.

In April of 2016, he attended a ceremony which honored him for 70 years as a Brother and Past Master of the Masonic Temple, Rising Sun Lodge 103, in Saratoga Springs.

Bob loved his family, his home and the many pets he had over the years. After his retirement, he could often be seen taking long walks around Saratoga, or "supervising" construction projects in his neighborhood. Bob enjoyed the ocean, especially vacations to Truro on Cape Cod.

Relatives and friends may attend a service on Monday, January 30 , at 10 a.m. , at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Riverside, who took wonderful care of Bob these past eight months, and Kim Fonda, a longtime family friend, who was his care partner for several years.

For those wishing to make a donation to honor the memory of Robert G. Nichols, the family asks you to consider a gift to the Center for Disability Services Foundation, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208-1794 or online at www.cfdsny.org ; or to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com