Pease Greeters Co-Founder Dies

Charlie Nichols, a World War II veteran who earned two Purple Hearts then went on to help found the Pease Greeters, has died.

A note on the Pease Greeters' website announced his passing. He was 85 years old.

"Charlie was a man who was loved by all who met him and will be missed dearly," the note reads.

The Greeters are a group of volunteers who go in person to welcome home returning U.S. troops at Pease Airport. They are next scheduled to welcome home a group of soldiers on Friday. The group also sends care packages and cell phones to soldiers so they can stay in contact with their families.

In 2008, Nichols and other founders of the group went to Washington, D.C., where President Bush honored them for their efforts.

Nichols, a Marine, was injured twice in World War II – once in Peleliu and again in Okinawa, according to his obituary. He was sent home for good after the latter incident. Nichols also participated in the landing at Guadalcanal.

After the war, Nichols and his wife, Peggy, had six children.

Nichols grew up on a farm in Washington, Maine. He was living in Kittery when he died on Nov. 27.

A wake will be held Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, located at 125 Old Post Road in Kittery, Maine.

A funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the Immaculate Conception Church, located at 98 Summer St. in Portsmouth, N.H.

Nichols will be given a full military burial at 1 p.m. Friday at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, Nichols wishes donations be made to either of the following organizations:

• Pease Greeters
• Seacoast Marine Corps League Detachment #394
• Toys for Tots