Gerald (Jerry) A. Nichols

Gerald (Jerry) A. Nichols of Pittstown, New Jersey, passed away on September10, 2025 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

He was born in 1938 in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Mary Cole Nichols and raised in Barberton, Ohio.

Jerry graduated from the Cleveland Institute of the Arts in 1963, and earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965.

Jerry dedicated his adult life to the fine arts, both as a successful artist and as a committed teacher. His artwork was widely exhibited throughout the Philadelphia and New York City regions. During his forty-year career at the

University of the Arts, Philadelphia, (formerly Philadelphia College of Art) he became Professor of Fine Arts and was a lead studio faculty for the Masters of Fine Arts program.  He was a founding and performing member of Bricolage, an experimental theater company active from 1975-1987 in Philadelphia.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his sister Janet Lay, brother Jack Nichols, and sister Linda Hennessy.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gweneth Stokes Nichols and their son Jack Nichols, his stepsons and their families, Andrew Goldschneider and Debra Dreger, and Aron, Takiko, and Bronwyn Goldschneider.

Jerry will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. He touched many lives, sharing his artwork, intelligence, and vast knowledge. He will be fondly remembered for his sharp observations and incisive sense of humor.

Gwen and Jack wish to acknowledge the many kindnesses of family and friends and are very grateful for the love and support we’ve been shown over this past year. We are also grateful for the compassionate care Jerry was given at Country Meadows Nursing Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Finegan Funeral home, Easton, Pennsylvania.

Memorial events will be held at a later date.