STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos of Staten Islander Emma Nichol, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday at home, surrounded by her closest family and friends.
Born the youngest of five children in her family’s home on Nicholas Avenue in Port Richmond, Mrs. Nichol grew up in that North Shore neighborhood and graduated from Port Richmond High School.
“I can’t believe I’m 100,” Nichol said about her milestone birthday. “My secret is to do everything in moderation — don’t overdo anything.”
Since the 1980s, she has lived on Lighthouse Hill, where she still calls home, and has been deeply rooted in Staten Island for generations.
After high school, the beloved mother and grandmother followed her love of chemistry and worked at Wallenstein’s Chemical Lab during World War II, eventually owning several businesses, including Great Kills Boat Yard and Marina and Spring Lake Toys.
Nichol met her husband, John “Jack” Nichol, at Steckman’s on Richmond Avenue, becoming engaged in May 1943.
The young couple tied the knot in January 1944 while Jack was serving as a lieutenant in the Army Combat Engineers.
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She is pictured with Betty Nichol Martinucci, left, and John R. Nichol. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
When he came home, he joined the New York City Fire Department. Together, they built a successful real estate business that their family still runs today.
The couple raised two children, Betty and the late John, who passed in 1985, a year before her husband’s death in 1986.
For over 20 years, her companion was the late Joseph Tirone, who passed in 2021.
Today, Nichol is proud to have three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Over the years, Nichol has stayed active and engaged in the community. She was a member of the original Silver Lake Silverettes women’s golf club and the Twilight bowling club, played bridge regularly, and enjoyed swimming, fishing, crabbing and boating between the Jersey Shore and Florida.
She also held office in several local groups and always found time to give back.
These days, she loves spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, and laughing at old memories. She’s a lifelong Mets fan and never misses a game.
She also enjoys taking rides around Staten Island, pointing out places she remembers, and stopping for pizza or ice cream along the way.
Her birthday was a joyful celebration with visits, cards, flowers, cookies and plenty of love from near and far. “Gram dressed up and enjoyed her day, just like she does with all of life,” granddaughter Randi Martinucci said.
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family, friends. She is pictured here with her great-grandchildren, Brooke, Jason, and Jade. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Her great-grandchildren shared some favorite memories. Brooke Perez said, “Her best memories as a kid were going to the shore house. Now taking her for rides is so much fun and full of laughs!”
Jade Perez added, “She’s taught us so much. One favorite memory is playing ring around the rosie in her living room — we could have played for hours.”
Scroll below for a glimpse into Nichol’s life as she celebrates 100 years young.
To be considered for future installments of this column, please send high-resolution photos with a brief description of the event and names of everyone pictured to gsantos@siadvance.com.
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and decades of memories rooted deep in Staten Island. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol — pictured as a young woman — recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and decades of memories rooted deep in Staten Island. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family. Pictured in this photo are: Jason Perez, Jade Perez, Emma Nichol, Brooke Perez, Randi Martinucci, and Matthew Nichol. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family: Matthew Nichol, Jade Perez, John Strandberg, Randi Martinucci Emma Nichol, Brooke Perez, Edward Manley and Susan Stevenson. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday. In this vintage photo, she is pictured with her three great grandchildren. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday. In this vintage photo, she is pictured with her family. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
Staten Islander Emma Nichol recently celebrated her 100th birthday. In this vintage photo, she is pictured with her late husband, John Nichol. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)
In this vintage photo, Staten Islander Emma Nichol and her companion Joe Tirone, poses with her three great grandchildren. (Courtesy Randi Martinucci)(Courtesy Randi Martinucci)