Claude E. Nichols, Jr., M.D.

Claude E. Nichols, Jr., M.D. died on April 7, 2005 after a protracted illness. Dr. Nichols was a fixture on the Harrisburg scene since 1949, where he established himself as a civic leader, a pioneering physician, and a loving husband and father. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on December 13, 1925 to Claude E. and Alroma F. Nichols. He grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dr. Nichols matriculated at Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio, at age 15. After graduation, he entered Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his M.D. degree in 1948. After completing his internship at Harlem hospital in New York City, he moved to Harrisburg in 1949 to work at the New Cumberland Army Depot. In 1950, he opened his private medical practice in Harrisburg. His work was interrupted by a two year tour of duty as a Captain in the United States Air Force stationed in Germany from 1952-54. On his return to the capital city in 1954, Dr. Nichols continued to grow his practice and began pioneering work in the emerging field of alcoholism treatment. This work evolved to substance abuse treatment including opiates. He served as medical director of the Tri-County Addictive Disease Clinic, a methadone maintenance facility from 1968 until its closing in the 1990's. He founded and directed the Physicians Lab, a facility that offered laboratory services to physicians in the area from 1960 to 1980. Dr. Nichols' activity and involvement in the Harrisburg community was varied and extensive. He was the first African American to serve as president of the Dauphin County Medical Society. He was a founder and chairman of the board of directors of Hamilton health Center. Other activities include member of the board of directors of: The Greater Harrisburg Foundation; Goodwill Industries; Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board; and Harrisburg Uptown Senior Citizens Center. He was chairman of the Civil Service Board for the City of Harrisburg and a member and chairman of the Health Board of Susquehanna Township. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Pi Phi, Beta Kappa Chi, Club 21 and Rotary Club of Harrisburg. Among other professional activities, he served as chairman of the Council on Medical Practice of the Pennsylvania medical Society a member of the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Statewide Health Coordinating Committee (SHCC) Pennsylvania Department of Health, Health Services Agency (HAS), Health Resources Planning and Development, Susquehanna Valley Regional medical Program, medical Advisory Board Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and medical advisor to Tri-County Council of Addictive Diseases. During his lifetime, Dr. Nichols was recipient of many honors and awards. Among the many honors were the 1977 Man of the Year, Community Service of Omega Psi Phi; the national 1985 Drs. Nyswander and Dole Award for Outstanding Contributions to methadone Treatment; and the 1987 Urban league Award for Community Service. He was recognized for his medical service to the community by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 2002 and by the NAACP in 2004. Dr Nichols was the recipient of the prestigious 1999 John H. Baum Humanitarian Award from the Capital Region Unit of the American Cancer Society. In spite of this seemingly impossible schedule of professional and community activities, Dr. Nichols found time to indulge in his two passions: cars and golf. He was known throughout the area for making house calls in his red Porsche. Driving provided him with periods of serenity that protected him from the trials of each day. Golf was his other release. Every Sunday, one would find him on the links attempting to master a game which eluded his mastery. He thoroughly relished that challenge. Dr. Nichols was predeceased by his parents. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Pearl, his daughter, Dianne, his son, Claude III and his partner, Nadine, and his two granddaughters, Allison and Hannah, a few relatives, and a community he served well. In lieu of flowers, donation in his memory may be made to the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Goodwill Industries of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. or any charity of your choosing A Memorial Service for Dr. Claude E. Nichols, Jr. will be held at Hooper Memorial Home, Inc. on Sunday, June 5, 2005 at 3:00 p.m.