A celebration of Gregory's life will occur on
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Church of Christian Compassion
6130 Cedar Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa. 19143
Viewing:9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Service: 11:00 a.m.
We request family and friends who prefer
to send plants or flowers,
to coordinate with one of the
following reliable local florists:..
June's Floral Design: (610) 726-4351
Overhill Flowers: (215 ) 473-1842
Simply Floral: ( 610) 622-7980
Have the florist deliver
your selection
to the Church no
later than 8:30 a.m.
the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM
PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING
NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS
INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR
MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS
WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!!
THANK YOU!!
The Obituary
GREGORY EDWARD NICHOLAS was born to Florence (Golden) Nicholas and Edward Nicholas on October 6,
1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the Philadelphia school system where he graduated from
Thomas Edison High School in 1967. In 1968, Gregory furthered his education and attended Pierce Junior College
where he studied bookkeeping.
Gregory always had a thirst for service. His thirst for service prompted him to enlist into the United States Army
where he completed both basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he studied
communications at the US Army Signal School. Upon completion of advanced individual training, Gregory was
stationed to the D-440 Signal Battalion during the Vietnam conflict; where he attained the rank of Specialist prior to
his honorable military discharge. Gregory was also President of his family reunion for ten plus years, The Northern
Quander Family, which start in 1926 until present.
On December 3, 1973, Greg embarked upon the career of his life where he entered the Philadelphia Police
Department. He served in a number of places and capacities which included: the 18tth District; 39th District; 7th
District; 8th District; the Police Detention Unit; Police Radio and the Court Liaison Unit. While Greg was
recognized as an excellent patrolman, strong leadership was always a priority. This interest in strong leadership led
him to work diligently with Fraternal Order of Police- Lodge#, serving on the Executive Board; and Philadelphia‘s
very owned Guardian Civic League where he served on the Executive Board in the offices of: Recording Secretary
and Election Chairperson. Greg’s work with the Guardian Civil League allowed him to be a pioneer for change. He
worked arm and arm with other members to uncover unfair hiring practices within the Philadelphia Police
Department for African-Americans, women and other minorities. This strong stance is a major reason why diversity
in the Philadelphia Police Department exists today.
In June of 1991, Greg was promoted to the rank of Corporal and assigned to Police Radio, and later transferred to
the Police Court Liaison Unit where he served for thirty-one plus years. Greg altruistic qualities led him to mentor
youth and young police officers — especially those aspiring to become supervisors.
On September 6, 2022, God called Greg from labor to reward. He leaves behind a legacy of love to include: his
uncle, Father Peter Golden of New York City; Sara Golden “Missy” of New Jersey; his aunt, Barbara Golden; close
cousin and caregiver, Kay Mitchell; cousin “Baby Sis”, Ruth Golden; a host of other relatives and friends; a lifetime
friend, Erma Gilliard; a god-son, Joey Gilliard; and his Philadelphia Police Department Family of forty plus years!
