Earl Leonard Nicholson

   Earl Leonard Nicholson, 86, Watertown passed away on March 21st, at 3:12pm at his home following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Nicholson was surrounded by, and under the constant loving care of his family and friends and the empathetic care of Hospice. 

   Mr. Nicholson, son of Leonard R. Nicholson and Dorothy L. Adsit Nicholson, was born May 1, 1938 in Glen Park, NY and graduated from Watertown High School in 1956. After high school, Mr. Nicholson worked at the New York Air Brake followed by the Coca Cola Bottling Company, and Quick Motors Cadillac. Mr. Nicholson joined the Watertown Police Department in January 1967, where he retired with the rank of Sergeant on February 13, 1990.

   Mr. Nicholson was married to his life-long love, Sandra Jean Williams on July 23rd 1960 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown, officiated by the Reverend Lloyd W. Clarke. The couple has four surviving children, Deborah A. Jeror (Butch), Adams, NY, Lennie Nicholson (Lisa), Allen, TX, Howard M. Nicholson (Lisa), Lexington, KY, Catherine E. Sherman (Jerry) Watertown, NY and is predeceased by their son, Alexander S. Nicholson. The couple has 11 grandchildren, Justin, Amber, Kyle, Mackenzie, Karissa Matthew, Marlayna, Sadie, Savannah, Mitch and Tyler and 6 great-grandchildren, Adam, Ariana, Mark, Mason, Leila, and Lily.

   During his 86 spins around the sun, Mr. Nicholson enjoyed being an avid coin collector, loved to bowl, holding many records, trophies and even bowled a perfect game. In addition to his love of coins and bowling, Mr. Nicholson also enjoyed trips to Vernon Downs with his many racetrack friends and spending countless hours with his animal friends, whether it's watching majestic geese flying south for the winter, or daily road trips with his puppy love, Brandi.

   Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson have been members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Watertown for the last 45 years. During the 4 decades, Mr. Nicholson served in many church-related callings, including as the congregation’s organist for over 30 of those years.  On August 30th 1988 the couple was sealed together as husband and wife for all eternity in the Washington DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

   In addition to his parents, Mr. Nicholson is predeceased by his son Alexander, and his sisters Helen Denner, Evelyn Buckles, and Martha (Jean) Mackley.

   The calling hours will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 20020 County Rt. 65, Watertown from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM, on Wednesday, March 26th, immediately followed by the church service in the chapel, with his final resting place being at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown and online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

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