MASSENA -- Former Massena Red Raiders football Coach Mike Nicholas, who holds the state record for most varsity football wins, died Tuesday at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. He was 95.

Over his career, his squads won a combined 192 wins, 16 losses and 8 ties including 17 undefeated seasons. He retired in 1979 after 39 years. The National High School Coaches Association honored him as Football Coach of the Year 1977-1979.

While at Massena Central, he taught physical education and health, also coaching baseball, wrestling and track.

In 2009, the new artificial turf field at Massena High School was named Mike Nicholas Field in his honor.

Nicholas was born Nov. 5, 1919 in Myers, the son of Abraham and Suzanne (Soloman) Nicholas. He attended Murray State College until he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps during Work War II. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Ithaca College graduating with a master’s degree in physical education.

He married Eleanor Daiuto in 1947 in Ithaca. She predeceased him in March 7, 1986.

Nicholas was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1702, VFW Post 1143 and American Legion Post #4.

He is survived by his children, Michael “Mickey” of Massena, Cheryl and Lynn Vaugh, and Gary and Sarah Paddock both of Ogdensburg; 10 grandchildren, Christine, Michael, Mark, Michelle, Jesse, Nicholas, Scott, Nicole, Sarah and Gary Jr.; 16 great-grandchildren, Caroline, Luke, Sawyer, Michael, Nicholi, Ella, Jaiden, Keegan, Ashlyn, Brooklyn , Scotty, MacKaid, James, Ellie, Khloe, and Henry; and one great-great-grandchild, Ireland; also surviving Mike is a brother Richard Nicholas of Ft. Myers, Fla., along with several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Friday at Phillips Memorial Home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

The Elks will meet at the funeral home on Friday at 7 p.m. A joint memorial service with the VFW and American Legion will be at 7:20 p.m.

His funeral will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Mark Reilly presiding. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

Those wishing to make memorial donations can give to the Massena Central High School Athletic Fund. Arrangements are under the care of Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. Memories and condolences can made at www.phillipsmemorial.com