ILION - Richard "Dick" M. Nichols, age 68, of Ilion, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford. He was born on June 30, 1945, in Ilion, the son of Ralph and Leona Nichols, and graduated from Ilion High School in 1964. Dick was employed as a machine operator at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, for over forty years, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Ilion Elks Lodge #1444 and a former member of the Ilion Fish & Game Club, Crossways Fishing Club and the North Side Athletic Club. Dick enjoyed NASCAR, golfing, Syracuse University Basketball, Boston Red Sox and his fishing trips to Raquette Lake. Survivors include his fiancée, Patty Moynihan, with whom he resided in Ilion; his brother, William "Bill" Nichols; several sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins; also Patty's children and grandchildren who considered Dick as their stepfather and grandfather, Steven, Regina and Jamie Moynihan; several grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many friends from the Elks Lodge and Club BA. Friends and relatives are invited to Dick's Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd. (old Main St.), Ilion. Spring burial will be in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Calling hours are Friday, January 31, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Ilion Elks Lodge #1444 will conduct their ritual service at 5:30 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2014, at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Dick, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Ilion Ambulance Fund, Central Fire Station, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Dick's funeral arrangements and supervision are entrusted to Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.