Ralph L. Nicoll

Ralph was born on February 3, 1926, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Maxwell and Grace (Cox) Nicoll. Ralph is survived by his son, James Nicoll, and his wife Bernice of Lunenburg, his son, Gary Nicoll, and his wife Patty of Dover, New Hampshire, and his brother Bob Nicoll and his wife Donna of Bedford, New Hampshire. 

He was a grandfather to Barry, Maxwell, and Ryan and a great-grandfather to Elise, Beau, and Sadie.

Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Emily, his brothers Gordon and Howie, and his sister Shirley.  

Ralph was drafted when he was 18 into WWII. He was inducted in April 1944 at Ft. Devens and then proudly served overseas from November 1944 until August 1945 in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe as a rifleman with the 76^th Infantry Division. Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery during the final battles in Europe. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946. In 2013, Ralph was awarded The American Society of the French Legion of Honor by the nation of France for his help in liberating their country during the war.

After the war, Ralph enjoyed a long career as a manufacturer’s representative for Norelco and Remington electronics in New England. Because of his travels all over the New England states, he often worked from home before going on appointments. Even when he worked at home, he was always dressed in his best suit. Ralph was probably one of the first work from home sales reps.

Over the years, Ralph enjoyed his homes in Acton, Harwich on Cape Cod, Pepperell, and an in-law apartment in Lunenburg with his son James and wife Bernice. Ralph spent many of his later years in a retirement community, Four Lakes Golf Club, in Winter Haven, Florida, playing golf and enjoying beautiful views from his home of Lake Haines, the alligators, and the 13^th hole on the golf course.  

Ralph had a love of cars, travel, and good food – especially dessert.

A Funeral Mass to honor Ralph’s life will be held at Our Lady of Grace worshiping at St. Joseph's Church, 28 Tarbell Street, Pepperell, MA on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Association Cemetery, Park Street, Pepperell, MA 01463.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Freedom Service Dogs of America – www.freedomservicedogs.org