Obituary of Ralph G. Nicholas

Ralph Gene Nicholas of Cortland, NY departed his life at home, surrounded by the love of his family on August 10, 2016. Born July 25, 1941 to Jean Kidd and John Chester Nicholas. He professed his faith in God and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Ralph met the love of his life and in 1968 united in holy matrimony to Janice Nelson who proceeded Ralph in 2002. Seventy five years of happiness and spontaneity, Ralph resided in Cortland, New York for twenty plus years, where he was dedicated to family, work and community. Dedicated, hard worker, leader and mentor to many as the first General Manager of Marvin Windows New York, retiring in 2000. Demonstrated continuous commitment and service to others by providing communion to those shut in with illness and a volunteer in the cafeteria at St. Mary's School, receiving the St. Mary's Superintendent's Service Medal. Being an example to others of life work balance, Ralph was a regular at Lacrosse and basketball games. He was an avid golfer, with a hole in one at Elm Tree golf course. His passions were his family, strumming his guitar and Elvis Presley. Ralph is survived by his children Scott (Jan) Oseid, Vincent (Kwynn) Nicholas, Shelley (Bill Cartwright) Johansen, Todd Oseid, Timothy (Brenda Zachary) Oseid, and Julie Hines. Grandchildren Chad Robertson, Shauna Newgard, Sarah Olson, Bryan Hartman, Desiree Oseid (Matthew Bennett), Rory Hines, Kora Hines and TJ Oseid. Ralph is also survived by six great grandchildren, sisters Betty and Ann and his brother Gordon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mary's Catholic School of Cortland, NY. Calling hours will be Friday, August 12, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will follow on Saturday, August 13, 2016 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church.