Joseph Michael Nichols

Joseph Michael Nichols, 39, passed away from diabetic complications on January 5, 2022. Joe was born on March 9, 1982 to Thomas and Pamela Nichols in Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in 2000 and went on to attend college. Eventually he started his own successful business, Spartan Painting & Decorating, working with his brother, Kevin.

Joe was a big authentic personality who always made his presence known with his infectious laugh, his storytelling, and his suggestions on what to watch and read. He was an avid Cubs, Vikings (Go Skol), and Blackhawks fan. He was always buying the best tickets to attend games with family and friends. He loved to cook and share his smoked brisket at any event. Joe was adored by his nieces and nephews whom he loved to visit, spoil, and listen to the “clank” of their chips dropping in the cup as they lost in the card game “31”.

Joe was a natural born helper. After a 15-year battle with addiction, Joe was fully clean and sober for the past 8 years. He always said he was living on borrowed time and with that time he wanted to pay it forward and help others. He sponsored and helped many recovering addicts, as well as facilitating retreats and programs for that community.

Joe is survived by his mother and father, Pam and Tom Nichols; his siblings and their spouses, Ted and Jenny Nichols, Scott and Shawn Nichols, Keegan Nichols, Kaleen and Scott Martin, and Kevin Nichols; as well as his nieces and nephews, Ryan, Libby, Liam, Ellie, Davis, Mary, Mackenzie, Delaney and Emerson. He is preceded by and now lovingly united with his brother, Jimmy Ryan Nichols.

Joe will be remembered for his big generous heart that was always helping others and loving his family and friends.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 14 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL. Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Lunch to follow Mass. Burial following lunch at Highland Gardens in Belvidere. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a retreat home where Joe provided support and facilitated programs. Use link below or send checks payable to Villa Desiderata at https://gofund.me/2f4fceec or
Villa Desiderate
Att: Paul Jakstas
3015 N Bayview Lane
McHenry, IL 60051