Our Experienced Staff

Since 1934, Nichols-Gilmore Funeral home has been a family owned, independent funeral home. 

Each of the staff members at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home & Cremation Service is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal care, treating every family we serve as if they were our own.

For years, it’s been comforting for families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night. We do not use an answering service. You will reach Jim Gilmore or a staff member 24/7.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know the Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home family. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
 

James F. Gilmore, III , Funeral Director/Owner Email: Nicholsgilmore@aol.com Website: www.nicholsgilmore.com Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Mobile Phone: 302-998-8013 Jim grew up in the Newark area. He began his career in funeral service in 1979, while a student at St. Mark's High School. Jim worked at the Warwick Funeral Home in Newark while attending the University of Delaware. He graduated in 1983 with a B.A.A.S. in Biology and Sociology. Jim continued his education at Catonsville Community College, where he earned his Certificate in Mortuary Science. Jim has owned Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home since 1994.He has two children, Caitlin and Brennen, with whom he has shared his passion for the funeral service.   Jim resides in Middletown, Delaware, where he enjoys spending time with his family and beloved Labrador Retrievers

Caitlin Gilmore, Funeral Director Email: caitlin.nicholsgilmore@gmail.com Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Fax: 302-998-8324 Caitlin has worked at the funeral home since 2011.   She is a 2008 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, a 2013 graduate of Wilmington University, with a Bachelors of Science degree, and a 2016 graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. She has been a licensed funeral director since 2018.

Brennen Gilmore, Associate Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Fax: 302-998-8324 Brennen has been working at the funeral home since his graduation from Appoquinimink  High school in 2011.  Brennen enjoys Ice Hockey and traveling.

Theresa Santoro, Support Staff Email: nicholsgilmore@aol.com Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Fax: 302-998-8324 Theresa is the friendly face that welcomes you into the Nichols Gilmore Funeral Home and assist with services.  Theresa is the mother of two boys and a resident of New Castle.  She is also a hair stylist.

Robin Fitts, Support Staff Email: robin.nicholsgilmore@gmail.com Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Fax: 302-998-8324 Robin is valuable member of the Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home staff.  She resides in Bear, DE.  She has been with the firm for several years and is well versed with dealing with families.

Mary Jo Wiant (2017), Office Manager Email: nicholsgilmore@aol.com Office Phone: 302-998-8013 Jo passed away at her home in Bear on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 in the presence of her family. Jo was born and raised in Grafton, W.Va. For the past 15 years she was the office manager at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home in Newport. Jo enjoyed sewing, reading, scary movies and the beach. She wanted to be remembered as a loving mother, mom-mom, wife, loyal friend and good person. Jo is survived by her husband of 51 years, David; sons, Michael and Daniel; grandchildren, Augusta, Austin and Amelia; her dog and companion, Dalai and other extended family.

Earl Nichols, Sr. , Retired Funeral Director/Former Owner (1933-2013) Earl graduated from Conrad High School and attended Eckels Mortuary School in Philadelphia, PA. He was the funeral director at the Nichols Funeral Home in Newport for 40 years. Earl was a member of the Ionic Lodge #31 AF & AM, Tall Cedars, Scottish Rite, and the Nur Shrine where he belonged to the Motor Corp, the Yacht Club and the Mini Choppers; he was also a member of the Minquas Fire Company for 55 years serving as Chief Engineer for 15 years; past President of the Christiana Lions Club where he was a 25 year member; a 40 year member of Newark Elks Lodge #2281;a member of Peniel United Methodist Church; Assistant Coroner for 3 years and Disaster Coordinator of Delaware.  He enjoyed motor home traveling and his cars. Besides his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his son, Barry Nichols, his sisters, Joanne Evans and Barbara Gardner; his stepmother, Elaine B. Nichols and his wife, Margaret Nichols. Survivors include his children, Carol White, Earl V. Nichols, Jr. and his wife Kathryne, and Laura Nichols; his sisters, Lois Rodeck and Betty Woods; his grandchildren, Nicole, Becky, Patrice, Victoria, Marlee and Ross; his 3 great-grandchildren; his former wife, Loretta Frisoli and his longtime companion, Jan Nibblett.

Lee Earl Nichols, Founding Funeral Director (1898-1979) Lee Earl Nichols, age 81, passed away on March 3, 1979 in Deltona Florida.  A son of the late Doni and Lydia Nichols, Lee was born in American Corners, Maryland in January 1898, He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Infantry. Lee was the owner and Funeral Director of Nichols Funeral Home in Newport prior to his retirement. He was survived by his wife, Elaine B. Nichols; a son, Earl V. Nichols, Sr.; four daughters, Lois Rodeck, Betty Woods, Barbara Gardner and Jeanne Evans; several grandchildren. Services were held on March 8, 1979 in the Nichols Funeral Home, Newport DE with the Rev. Henderson and Chaplain Elliott co-officiating.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 7, 1979 from 7pm to 9pm. Lee was laid to rest in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, DE.