John Nichols
John Nichols was born on October 14, 1934, in Utica, New York, to his Ukrainian immigrant parents, John Sr. and Julia (Yarosz).
John was extremely proud of his heritage and all that his family had lived through.
As he was nearing graduation from high school, he joined the US Navy Reserves and was later called to active duty during the Korean War. While on leave, he met his beloved wife-to-be, Muriel (Peck) and moved to Peekskill, NY, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
John loved being a part of a small community, like Peekskill, and got involved with various organizations throughout his life.
His first love was being a volunteer fireman for the Cortlandt Hook & Ladder Company. From fighting fires to learning the ropes from those who came before him, he later helped to mentor others. One of his favorite young firefighters was Don ‘Spanky’ MacLennan, who became a great lifelong friend.
John held various levels of leadership as a fireman, including Lieutenant and Captain. When he stopped fighting fires, he served a term as President of the Company, and was later on the Board of Governors, and also as House Committee Chairman.
John was a Patriot, proud of his country, and flew the American flag proudly every day. He became active with the local chapter of the American Legion and met a brotherhood of veterans that he bonded with. Together, they organized fundraisers, such as the annual golf outing and 5K run to raise money for those veterans and families in need. John and his buddies, John Donohue and Lenny Varella, could be seen placing many flags on the graves of deceased veterans at local cemeteries every Memorial Day and wreaths during the Holiday Season.
He also visited many veterans and old friends at their homes and in local nursing homes.
“Nick,” as many called him, worked at Con Edison for over 40 years. Starting out as a lineman in the 1950s and then later working as an inspector, overseeing many construction development projects in the area.
John was a man of integrity, discipline and core values. He spoke freely, sometimes too much! But he loved striking up conversations with friends and strangers, telling stories and hearing about their lives. He thought we all should be involved in our community.
John was predeceased by his wife, Muriel (Mimi).
He is survived by his five loving daughters: Debbie Stefanicki, Karen Skinner (John Hannigan), Michele Vourliotis, Stephanie Stewart, and Mary Kim (Anthony) Cesarini. In addition, he was the proud grandfather of Sean (Martha) Stefanicki, Ryan Skinner, Tyler (Erin) Skinner, Shelby (Skinner) Kennedy (who predeceased him), Kolby Vourliotis, Van Vourliotis, Samantha Cesarini and Sydney Cesarini. He was also blessed with 4 great grandchildren: Matthew, Alex, and Christopher (Stefanicki) and Maddie Skinner.
A funeral mass was held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 1969 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY, on Wednesday, July 1. Interment followed at Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s memory to Glio Leo.
– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home
Lois V. Schiavo
Lois Cox Schiavo of Buchanan, New York, died on June 10, 2026. She was born on February 19, 1933 in Ossining, NY, to Richard and Vivian Cox, who predeceased her. Lois married Salvatore Schiavo in 1953.
They became proud parents of five loving children. Her husband predeceased her in 2013.
Lois is survived by her daughters Nancy (Sal) Messina, Lori (Charles), Peterson, and Lisa (Carl) Locatelli, along with her sons James (Mary) Schiavo and Richard (Dina Monti) Schiavo. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sal (Ullanda) Messina, Kelli (Matt) Donachie, Deanna (Keith Zerello) Peterson, Melissa Locatelli, Carl (Dana) Locatelli, Carissa Locatelli, Lauren Schiavo, Brittney Schiavo and Jimmy Schiavo. Lois is survived by her great-grandchildren, Zackary and Tyler Bellom, Matthew and Rowan Donachie, and Enzo and Sofia Locatelli.
Lois enjoyed taking walks along the boardwalk in Seaside Park, NJ. She enjoyed hosting holiday parties and being with family. Lois will be lovingly missed.
Per her request, there will be no services.
– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home
