Neil Calvert Nichols, 74, of Essex, beloved husband and best friend of Alison Nichols for 53 years, died July 29.

Neil was born Aug. 27, 1938 to Marjorie and Julian Nichols. He grew up in West Hartford with his five sibilings. He was a graduate of Saint Thomas Seminary and Trinity College and earned his wings at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. After his pilot training, Neil became an instructor pilot. Following the Air Force, Neil became a pilot with Pan American World Airways, and during his tenure was elected chair of the union negotiating team and briefly moved to management. He played a key role in opening tourism and business travel to the Peoples Republic of China.

After Pan Am failed in 1991, Neil became Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and part owner of T.O. Richardson. At the time of his death, he was a self-employed consultant for Efficient Market Advisors, LLC.

Neil was an ardent believer in giving back to the community. While living in Wilton, he became a cook and server at the Norwalk Soup Kitchen. He was also an Americares Homefront Project volunteer and board member, and served on the board of Save the Children, Camp Hazen YMCA and was a volunteer ambulance driver.

After moving to Essex in 1995, Neil became the Americares District Coordinator for Hartford, a driver for Friends in Service Here (FISH), and served on the board of New Life Prison Ministry. Neil was a faithful Roman Catholic since his days as an altar boy, and that faith always informed and animated his decisions about his life choices. Neil was a Knight of Malta and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, and Our Lady of Sorrows Council 12113.

Neil had been active in Republican politics since college. He worked on countless campaigns, ran for public office, and was a member of CT State Central and the Essex Republican Town Committee.

Neil also had a remarkable passion for collecting early American antique tools. He participated in many shows and loved sharing his extensive knowledge with others; every tool had a story, and many infected by his enthusiasm subsequently also became collectors. Neil had a full and joyful life and touched so many with his cheerful optimism.

Neil is survived by his three devoted sons Neil Calvert, Jr., Frederic Austin, and William Brett; his six cherished grandchildren Graziella, David, Lilly, Austin, Nicole and Riley; and three loving daughters-in-law Tina, Sarah, and Mary. He is also survived by his five siblings John, Marjorie, Julian, Mark and Mary.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Essex, followed by a reception at the Essex Yacht Club. Military Honors will be rendered at the church. If memorial contributions in Neil's name are desired, please consider FISH, the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries or the Wounded Warrior Project. The Robinson,Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements. www.rwwfh.com