Gerald C. ‘Buzzy’ Nichol

the practice of law, community service (Dane County Bar Association, Big Brothers, Blessed Sacrament Church, Luke House, Rubin for Kids, Safe Harbor, Madison Area Youth Soccer Association and the Blue Line Club) and, of course, hockey, golf and cribbage.

After marrying the love his life (Dr. Kathryn Piziali) and graduating law school, he set down roots in Madison, Wis., with his new bride and mother-in-law (Rose Piziali) under one roof. Together they started a family and raised three children (Peter, Ellie and Wil) as Buzzy became a well-respected attorney.

When the stress of the job forced a career change, he became a circuit court judge revered for his fairness, mediation skill and devotion to law. He invested every deed with a sense of balance, fairness and justice, all the while maintaining a self-deprecating humor typical of his YUPer roots. He was kind, gentle, bright and loving with too many friends to count, and he touched many lives.

In later years when his heart and, ultimately, his lungs failed him, his spirit remained undiminished and continued to grow. If you’d ask how he was doing, he would say “Well, I’m better than you.” He was sure to say “every day is a gift,” and that he was a “lucky guy.” His family members all feel a void in his absence and the loss of his mischievous smile.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Kathryn Nichol; three children, Dr. Peter Nichol (Dr. Maria Fabbrocini, Alessandro and Federico), Ellie (Michael) Willis and Wil Nichol (Elyse Odgren); his two sisters (Pat Fittante and Geraldine Davidson) and a legacy of friendships and service to others imploring all to “sow more than we reap.”

A memorial mass will be held on May 11 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Madison, Wis. His children will speak beginning at 11:30 a.m. The mass will run from noon until 1 p.m. followed by a reception at the Atrium Room of the Madison Club from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Please no flowers, but donations in his honor can be made to:

Rubin for Kids (http://www.rubinforkids.org/donate-now),

Safe Harbor (http://www.safeharborhelpskids.org/p/donate-now.html) and

the American Academy of Pediatrics Friends of Children’s Fund

(https://secure2.convio.net/aap/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app201b?df_id=1940&1940.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=56F3434D92B103A6196BFB8E38AC18E1).