Andover - Andover - David was the wonderful husband of Debra Nichols for thirty-nine years, amazing father to Katherine Evans and Hannah Landsberg, and proud father-in-law of Bryan Evans and Robert Landsberg. He was the adored "Pops" to grandsons Edward and Grady Evans, and granddaughter Hadley Landsberg.

Born and raised in Medford, MA, he was the only child of the late Dorothy and Paul Nichols. He passed away peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, consistently choosing the most difficult path to have more time with his beloved family, proving himself to be the ultimate warrior.

Growing up in Medford, Dave developed a love of all sports very early on. Fields and gymnasiums were his playground, always seeking out ample opportunities to compete. As a student at Medford High School, he was a varsity athlete in four sports, earning letters in soccer, lacrosse, and indoor and outdoor track. Dave loved a challenge, and his teammates became his treasured friends for his entire life. To his friends, Dave will always be the organizer who brought them together in novel ways. His summers were spent serving in recreation at Grotonwood Camp, Medford Riverside Housing Authority, and the Medford Recreation Department. It is through these experiences that he cultivated his passion for teaching children.

Dave attended Boston University, graduating from the School of Education with both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Health and Physical Education. Upon graduation, Dave wanted to help children with motor development difficulties, so he accepted a teaching position with the Andover Public Schools in Andover, MA. It was in Andover where he found his wife, career, and community. Andover's Bancroft Elementary School is where Dave met Debbie, a certain special education teacher who would light up his life.

Dave was a pioneer in adaptive physical education, co-authoring a book on teaching methods, founding and directing Project Star—a program that provided respite care for parents of children with special needs—and helping Andover's adaptive program earn Outstanding Program of the Decade from the State of Massachusetts. He was honored with the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award, the Andover Parents Advisory Council's Humanitarian Award, and was appointed to the state's Health Education Advisory Board. He coached and taught hundreds of children across town, always prioritizing teamwork and building confidence. Later, Dave became Andover's Health Education Coordinator and Athletic Director, overseeing impactful health programs and an incredible team of health educators and coaches. Under his leadership, Andover's athletic teams won 80 conference titles, were state finalists or champions 18 times, and received the state's Ernest Dalton Award twice for the greatest won-lost percentage for combined boys' and girls' sports teams. Dave received Andover's Unsung Hero Award for his 32 years of dedicated service to the town's special needs population, student-athletes, coaches, and parents.

Upon retiring, Dave returned to Boston University as an adjunct professor to teach the next generation of educators and leaders. He also worked for FEMA as the Medical Reserve Coordinator, where he played a critical role in uniting health professionals and first responders to assist in community crises. His legacy of service to students, athletes, and the wider community is truly impressive. Yet, what will never be forgotten was the way he made others feel. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone, especially children, feel heard, valued, and cared for.

Dave, together with his sunshine, Debbie, took great pride in the life they lived and the daughters they raised. By far, his love for his girls—Debbie, Kate, and Hannah—superseded all else. A more devoted husband and dad did not exist. As Kate and Hannah were growing up, Dave loved coaching them in their various sports, watching them perform, and taking them on adventures big and small. To his children, his unwavering presence, wisdom, and kindness will always be cherished. In his later years, Dave loved nothing more than playing with his grandchildren. He so enjoyed looking at the world through their eyes. To them, he was "Mister Fix-it," their building buddy, storyteller, collector, and greatest supporter. Spending treasured time with their family in Dave and Debbie's vacation home in Centerville on Cape Cod was the icing on the cake.

To Debbie, Dave was truly her partner for life, and the reality that they were able to teach beside one another, live in the town they loved, raise such wonderful children and grandchildren, and share so much time together was truly a gift—a gift from someone whose entire life was devoted to helping others and living life so well. It is rare for a man to reach the end of his life without regrets, but Dave left this world the same way he lived each day: with intention, presence, joy, and care. His family is deeply grateful for each ounce of love and every moment they shared with him.

David's funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church, 29 Oakland Street, Medford, MA on Wednesday, September 18th at 10:30 a.m. in the morning. Visiting hours will be held at Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence Street, Andover, MA on Tuesday, September 17th from 4 to 7 p.m. in the evening. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Surgical Oncology, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.