ROCKLAND – Willard B. “Bill” Nickel, 96, died peacefully on Jan. 28, 2017, at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community in Rockland.

Bill Nickel was born May 7, 1920, in Toledo, Ohio. He was the son of Willard T. Nickel, a General Motors engineer, and Jenny Daniels Nickel, a professional violinist and antiques dealer. Bill grew up in the Flint, Mich., area, graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1937 and attended college before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Bill served honorably as a supply officer aboard a destroyer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he finished college at Syracuse University, graduating in 1947.

He met his wife-to-be, Jean Bradley, while at Syracuse. They were married in August 1947, had their only child, Tom, in 1948, and were completely devoted to each other for the rest of their lives.

Bill was employed by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, N.Y., for his entire professional career. He worked in the Eastman Savings and Loan Division and eventually retired in 1981 as secretary treasurer of the Association.

Bill contributed to his community wherever he lived, serving for nine years on the Board of the Brighton Schools, two years as president. He was also a trustee for the Brighton Presbyterian Church, a founding member of the Rochester Curling Club and more.

When he retired to South Thomaston, Bill was active in the Owls Head Transportation Museum, where he helped take care of vintage antique airplanes, the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Rockland Public Library. He was a member of the Rockland Rotary and a frequent helper at Rotary activities.

Bill and Jean enjoyed travel and were able to visit China, Israel and the Middle East, and several parts of Africa. The Galapagos Islands were a high point for both of them.

He served as a deacon and trustee at Rockland Congregational Church, and enjoyed his retirement to Midcoast Maine so much, he often said it was the best move he ever made.

Predeceased by his wife, Jean; Bill is survived by one son, Thomas Nickel and his wife, Joan Labby, of San Francisco, Calif.; as well as two grandchildren, Jeremy Nickel of San Jose, Calif., and Maia Vechey of Seattle, Wash.; and three great-grandchildren, Eliza Nickel, and Isabelle and Charles Vechey.

Bill's family has chosen to remember his life privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Rockland Library, P.O. Box 764, Rockland, ME 04841 or Rockland Congregational Church Abiding Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 554, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.