Earl Francis Nicholas

Earl Francis Nicholas, age 93, longtime resident of Skokie, died Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Mundelein.

Born December 10, 1928, in Chicago, to Earl Nicholas, Sr., and Eunice DeClue Nicholas.

Graduated from Lane Tech High School and DePaul University (B.A. in Communications).

Served in the U.S. Army from September 11, 1950 to February 14, 1952.

Married Jeanne Clark, of Chicago, November 29, 1952, and cared for her lovingly in the years before her death in 2006.

Resident of Skokie and parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church since 1955.

Fourth Degree member of Fr. Stroot Council 3243 Knights of Columbus, holding Grand Knight, Secretary, Treasurer, and other leadership roles. Instructed safe driving courses for seniors for the Secretary of State’s office until January 2019, when he retired as the longest-serving instructor.

Participant in decades’ worth of St. Peter’s ministry, volunteer and fundraising efforts, including The Happening annual cabaret weekend. Election judge until November 2020 which required 4 a.m. start time and training for changing technology. Summoned and committed to jury service when called. Community representative, Village of Skokie Traffic Commission. Worked as an extra in several major motion pictures filmed in Chicago.

Enjoyed bowling, golf, travel, theater and socializing with friends. Repair person and backyard gardener kept the kiddie pool ready for summer fun. Enthusiastic photographer. Avid reader of American history, crime, and legal thrillers (especially by John Grisham), and the daily newspaper. Adventurous chef (as demonstrated with his chili recipes) and grill master. Willing and generous babysitter of grandchildren. Skilled at playing checkers with young opponents. A major joy in his life was attending grandchildren’s school events, sports, and performances.

Earl has been a constant example of service and support to his children and grandchildren.

Father of Mary (Charles) Cipolla, Jim Nicholas and Tom (Erin Musselman) Nicholas. Grandfather of Carrie (Chris) Herber, Beth (Peter) Pettorini, Mary Nicholas, Michael Nicholas, Theresa Nicholas, Patricia Nicholas, and Sean Nicholas. Great-grandfather of Dominic Pettorini and Owen Herber. Brother-in-law of Virgina Fahey (Francis, deceased) Clark and uncle of Frank (Kathy) Clark, John (Val) Clark, Mary Ann Clark, Eileen (Stan) Bukielski, Dennis (Donna) Clark and Christine (Perry) Gentile. Beloved great-uncle, in-law, neighbor, colleague, and friend of many.

Visitation, Friday, April 29, 2022, from 3 to 9 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Funeral, Saturday, April 30, at 9:45 a.m., from the funeral home, for Mass, 10 a.m., at Ss. Peter & Lambert Catholic Parish (St. Peter Church), 8100 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Interment, All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fr. Stroot Council 3243 Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Peter Catholic Church, 8116 Niles Center Rd., Skokie, IL, 60077.

Funeral info:  847.673.6111.