Christopher “Pap” Steele Nicholson, 87, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away in his home on November 19, 2024.
Born September 30, 1937, in Waynesboro, PA, he was the son of Howard E Messersmith and Patricia (Flanagan) Nicholson, but raised by his mother, Patricia, and adopted father, Howard S. Nicholson.
Chris graduated from Waynesboro Area Senior High School with the class of 1957. He was musically talented. He played the drums in the band, orchestra, and dance band, the Velvetones.
Chris was the high school drum major his senior year, where he donned a one-of-a-kind Indian Headdress and costume made by his mother, Patricia.
After graduating high school, Chris served four years in the U.S. Navy, three and a half of those years aboard the Aircraft Carrier, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42. He was honorably discharged in 1962, when he then served a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Army. Two years of service with the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS and then a four-year tour with the U.S. Army Engineer Corps, located at Fort Belvoir, VA. He was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of Specialist E-7.
After exiting the military, he began a twenty-five-year at IBM Corporation, starting in Washington, DC, then moved to the Bethesda, MD location, where he retired in July of 1992.
Chris had many passions. He was a train enthusiast**;** he spent hours painting miniature military figurines, he was a history buff , and could explain most if not all the battles at Gettysburg, Antietam and beyond. He did not play sports, but he loved to cheer on all sports teams, it is even rumored that he boxed in the Navy. He liked to walk the Appalachian Trails, jump in the car on the weekend with the family and go for car rides and encompass himself in genealogy, especially the genealogy roots that run deep within Waynesboro’s history. There were so many attributes to Chris, and interests that we could write a book.
Chris and his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Burkholder Nicholson, were married September 17, 1966. They lived in Georgetown, MD, Rockville, MD, Gaithersburg, MD , and finally moving back to Waynesboro, PA to raise their four children: Christopher Steele Nicholson II (Heather), Mary Elizabeth Bonner (Justin), Sarah Kathryn Fogelsonger (Justin) and James Marshall Nicholson (Shannon).
He is also survived by his ten – grandchildren: Jordan Bryan (Dylan), Mason Fogelsonger (Nicole), Corbyn Fogelsonger (Aiden), Isabella Bonner, Cassandra Nicholson, Gavin Nicholson, Camryn Bonner, Justin Bonner, Evan Nicholson and Audrey Nicholson. Along with one great – grandson, Justin “JW” Fogelsonger and half-brother, Richard Messersmith (Susan).
“Pap” was truly loved and adored by many. His enthusiasm for his family, extended family, friends and neighbors was felt by all. He was our biggest cheerleader and supporter in all we did.
Forever our Shining Light, Forever Remembered, Forever Loved.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, is assisting with the arrangements.
