Charles R. Nicholson

Gilbertville – Charles R. Nicholson, 67, of Gilbertville, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Cheryl A. Nicholson of Gilbertville; his son, Richard J. Nicholson and his wife, Cynthia, of Gilbertville; his daughter, Tina M. Swindlehurst and her husband, Matthew, of Hardwick; his six cherished grandchildren, by whom he was lovingly referred to as “Gampie,” Liam, Landon, Grace, Evelynn, Anna, and Hunter; as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves an abundance of well-loved cousins, many friends he made from far and wide, and his beloved four-legged sidekick and man’s best friend, Bobo. He was predeceased by his sister, Judy Puliafico. He was born in Ware, son of the late Charles F. and Pauline L. (Duval) Nicholson.

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful a man Charlie was, nor how brightly his light shined. The kindest and most generous man on earth, he had a heart of gold and he would have given the shirt off his back for anyone. He was funny and witty, and while oftentimes stubborn, he maintained his wicked sense of humor and could always get a laugh or smile out of anyone. He was a big fan of the holidays, and especially Christmas. Charlie enjoyed tagging along with his cousins, David and Sammy when they would head out to watch the trains pass by, in Palmer. He enjoyed hunting, playing pool, and fishing. He would share his memory of going out on the Quabbin with his father as a child, and he looked forward to the day he could go out there again. While unable to venture out again, without a boat, many of Charlie’s fondest memories stem from his car rides around the Quabbin with his kids and his loving wife. Of his many joys in life, he especially loved his car rides with his wife. If it wasn’t around the Quabbin, it was to Dippin’ Donuts for a plain donut and a coffee. When his friends weren’t available, Charlie would be sure to make new friends wherever he went—a true social butterfly. Charlie’s family wishes to acknowledge Charlie’s closest friends, Kenny and Vernon who kept in near constant conversation with Charlie over the years, rarely missing their daily or weekly phone call—if ever. He also enjoyed the occasional banter with his buddy Mike (Tiny). Their friendships were one which Charlie truly treasured. Perhaps the only thing he loved more than his circle of friends was his loving family. Charlie’s presence, his heart, and his love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services for Charlie will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the following causes: American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or online at donors.diabetes.org; Autism Society of America, at autismsociety.org/donate; or American Heart Association, at pages.heart.org/honor-memorial-lp.

Varnum Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nicholson family. An online tribute page is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.