HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Harold Kent "Ken" Nikola, 81, an area resident for over 50 years, died peacefully at home on September 3, 2022. He previously lived in Patterson, NY.

Born in Cornwall on April 9, 1941, Ken was the son of the late Harold Thomas and Marguerite (Ellicott) Nikola Smith. He was raised by his mother and father, the late Donald B. Smith. Ken retired from Conklin Instruments in Pleasant Valley and was known as everyone's favorite bartender and "never met a stranger." During his retirement, Ken enjoyed working as a caring and comforting funeral attendant for the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. in Hopewell Junction and the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc.

Ken was a parishioner at St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction where he served as an usher. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus St. Mary's Council #4065 and had previously served with the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department. Ken proudly served America as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He liked gardening, playing cards, listening to music, dancing and vacationing with his family. More than anything, he was a proud Pop Pop who loved spending time with his grandchildren and was their biggest fan at their sporting events.

On September 30, 1972, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Pelham Manor, NY, Ken married the love of his life Margaret "Peg" Wiegand Nikola who survives at home. Ken and Peg recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at St. Columba Church followed by a family party.

He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Andrew and Heather Nikola of Marlboro and Danielle and Edward Diaz of Murrieta, CA; his beautiful grandchildren, Eva, Casandra, Sophia, Violette, Brayden, and Jameson; his siblings, Barry L. Nikola, Donald B. Smith (Retired Brigadier General and Retired Putnam County Sheriff), and Terri Smith Clark and her husband Peter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Bruce A. Nikola, Diane C. Nikola, Nancy Nikola Baker, and his sister-in-law Jane Powell Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday at 10 am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by entombment at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice for all their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken's memory to Hudson Valley Hospice or St. Columba Church. Please visit Ken's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.