In Memory of

Joseph

Alan

"Al"

Nicol

Obituary for Joseph Alan "Al" Nicol

Joseph Alan “Al” Nicol, a resident of Chelmsford, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning December 28, 2022 amid a glorious sunrise. Al was the cherished husband of Audrey (Ashton) Nicol. They shared 61 happily married years together.

He leaves his three children, David, Sarah, and Louise. His daughter Carol has passed away. He leaves his granddaughters Deanna, Katie, Amelia, Molly, and Megan and a brand-new addition, great-granddaughter Ashton Rae.

He also leaves granddaughters Nicola, the late Louise, and Beverly in Auckland New Zealand.

Al was born in Liverpool, England on July 21, 1926, the son of David and Mary Nicol. He was one of nine siblings.

From age 17 he served in WWII, first in the Air Force, then transferred to the Army. He ended his military career running a military establishment with a four-star general in Rome. One of their assignments was to rescue the Queen of Albania, and she sometimes did write to him years later.

Al was a gifted and talented woodworker. He opened his own business and was much sought after and respected. His clients included Julia Child, the Beatles, and some of his historical representations are on display in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.

Al studied aviation and his passion was flying. He earned his pilot’s license and, as often as he could, took to the freedom of the air.

Al was an accomplished dancer and won several awards. He also had a musical talent and played trumpet, even took a turn in a band on a trip on the liner Franconia.

Al was a dedicated family man and winter skiing was a major part of their life. He also bought a sailboat and the family had great times with that, a couple of marine disasters, too. They also had many vacations traveling.

From a life filled with curiosity, learning, and enjoyment, the cruel condition of Alzheimer’s slowly claimed a part of this wonderful person. But ever the scouser (Liverpool), his sense of humor surfaced.

Go with God, Alan, and wait for us.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 6th from 3pm – 6pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Funeral services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.