Gary Nicholson

Gary R. Nicholson Age 83, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. He was born May 25,1943, in Canton, OH. A son of the late Bryson Nicholson and Jean (Nicholson) Cole. Gary was a 1961 graduate of McKinley High School and retired from AT&T as a Fleet Manager. He attended Trinity Baptist Church and was a member of William McKinley Lodge #431 F&AM, Tadmor Shrine, Massillon Shrine Club, Nazir Grotto, and the Studebaker Drivers Club. Gary was a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason (Valley of Canton) and a proud recipient of the Meritorious Service Award (MSA). Above all, Gary was a devoted family man and a loyal and loving husband. He was incredibly proud of his son and daughter, and especially cherished his granddaughter, Gianna, who was truly the apple of his eye. Gary had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His love for his family, loyalty to those he cared about, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Cole. Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Darlene “Tootie” Nicholson; daughter, Jodi Pons; son, Michael (Maia) Nicholson; granddaughter, Gianna Pons; sister, Sheila (Stan) Yanuck; three brothers, Dale (Cynde) Nicholson, Robert “Bo” (Linda) Cole, and Randy (Cyndi) Cole; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home, 1803 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio. A formal memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or to SouthernCare Hospice, 3570 Executive Dr., #112, Uniontown, OH 44685. Condolences may be left at www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330) 456-4766