Albert H. Nichols, Former       Postmaster, Dies In Mass.

Albert H. Nichols, who served as Newtown’s postmaster for nearly four decades, died October 16 in Norton, Mass., where he had lived in retirement for several years.

Mr Nichols was a veteran of World War II, receiving a battle star for the invasion at Okinawa. He remained in the Army Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

 He was the postmaster in Newtown for 38 years. He also was an assistant prosecutor in town court, a founding member and president of the Newtown Hook and Ladder Fire Company, and a fire marshal for the town. He also was a member of the Newtown Cemetery Association.

He was a member of the Newtown Congregational Church for over 60 years, a former trustee of the Newtown Savings Bank and a longtime member of the Men’s Literary and Social Club of Newtown Street.

Mr Nichols was appointed acting postmaster in 1941 and received a permanent appointment the following year, the youngest postmaster serving an office of that size in the area. He oversaw the growth of the local postal service, establishing city delivery in Newtown and incorporating parts of town that previously were served by post offices in other communities. He retired in 1979.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marjorie (Wallen) Nichols, and his niece and family, Linda Cooper-Bettencourt, Philip and Jay Bettencourt of Norton, Mass. He also is survived by three sisters, formerly of Newtown; Loretta Hodges and Shirley Berry of Virginia, and Barbara Peck of Florida.

One of his final requests was the omission of a memorial service. His body will be generously donated to the Tufts University School of Medicine for purposes of teaching and study.

In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be sent to Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Mass.

The Newtown Bee   October 20, 2000