DELHI - Robert Paul Nicholson, 88, of Delhi, passed away at O'Connor Hospital on Saturday, May 6, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born to Charles Nicholson and Pauline Kicinski Nicholson on July 26, 1928, in Johnson City.

In 1947, after graduating from Delaware Academy in Delhi, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served for four years during the Korean War. He started out as a Marine Brigade Guard and advanced to rank of Sergeant as forward observer.

Robert then attended Siena College for economics.

After his graduation, he returned to Delaware County where he loved traveling the back roads and the countryside, deer hunting and just being in the woods. Bob was also an avid skier and golfer for many years. Most of all, he loved the people and friendships he made while working working at the Delaware National Bank for 36 years.

A night out at the Andes Hotel was where Robert met his wife the love of his life and mother of his children, Flora "Pudge" Hebbard. Many joked that the banker went to the poorhouse to find his wife. Pudge's family ran the county home (poorhouse) which was located near what is now the college golf course. On Nov. 26, 1955, Bob came out of the woods from deer hunting to marry Pudge. This created a marriage anniversary, deer hunting rivalry from that day forward.

Bob was a devoted member of the Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Delhi. He took his Catholicism to heart. His prayers often and his demeanor was a pattern of his strong faith.

The most fulfilling moments of Robert's life were his marriage, his children and grandchildren.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Pauline; his wife, Flora on March 22, 1995; and his sister, Helen Hoefflien of Austin Texas in 2017; as well as several sisters and brothers-in-law.

Surviving are his loving children, Robert and Stephanie (Wilkow) Nicholson of Delhi, Lisa (Nicholson) and Jeff Rosa of Endicott and Mary Nicholson of Delhi; grandchildren, Nicholas and Alyssa Rosa and Matthew Nicholson; sisters and brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and neighbor and close friend, Marjorie Trelease.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 12, at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Delhi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at St. Peter's Church, Cross Street, Delhi, with the Rev. Edward Golding celebrating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Delhi.

Memorial contributions in Roberts name may be made to Saint Peter's Church in Delhi or Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallandpeet.com.