Robert David "Bob" Nichols, age 59, of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.
Born August 1, 1964 in Monroe, Michigan, Bob was the son of the late William P. and Joanne L. (Kinzel) Nichols.
Bob graduated from Monroe High School in 1982. He went on to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and then Hillsdale College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Education and his Secondary Teaching Certificate. He later earned a Master's Degree in Medical Anthropology from the University of Toledo.
Bob taught science and social studies classes for Monroe Public Schools at both the Middle School and High School for over 25 years. As a teacher, he was elected Union President and negotiated a number of contracts on behalf of his colleagues. He also served as the President for the Monroe County Education Association. In addition, Bob taught Anthropology classes at Monroe County Community College and at the University of Toledo.
In 2016, after his retirement, Bob ran and was elected to the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education where he served for seven years until his resignation due to health concerns. During his final four years as a Board Member, his peers elected him to serve as President of the Board of Education.
Bob loved to ride his motorcycle, scuba dive and travel. He enjoyed reading, watching football, especially the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions, and was a Halloween and Zombie aficionado.
He is survived by his four children, Jeremy Smoot of Detroit, David Nichols of Monroe, Ashley (Ben) Julius of Monroe and Erin Nichols of Monroe; one brother, Hon. William P. (Melissa) Nichols of Temperance and a granddaughter, Ella.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Monroe High School Athletic Department.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, Monroe, Michigan, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .