He was born on March 17, 1933 in Keene, NH, the son of the late Christian Robert and Ellan “Nellie” (Shea) Nielsen, and surprised his Irish mother by being born on St. Patrick’s Day. A lifelong resident of Keene, John attended St. Joseph Regional School. He often spoke of the excellent education that he received from this school. He went on to attend Keene High School, graduating in the class of 1951.
Except for the two years that John proudly served in the United States Army, he lived in the family home on Hooper Street where he was loved and respected by his wonderful neighbors. He will be missed by them and his many friends at the Italian Club and American Legion Gordon Bissell Keene Post #4; as well as the “coffee guys” at McDonalds where he would go after attending daily mass.
He worked as a metallurgist for several years at the former MPB Corporation in Keene, and after many years of service, he retired from the United States Postal Service in Keene.
John was a lifelong communicant of St. Bernard Church in Keene. John also enjoyed the quietness of being out on the lake, fishing.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert L. Nielsen of Los Angeles, CA, David A. Nielsen of Keene; two sisters, Joan M. Nelson of Lowell, MA, Catherine N. Main of Keene; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard F. Nielsen; two sisters, Mary Matson and Martha Richards; four brothers-in-law, Rudolph Matson, John Nelson, Howard Main, Robert J. Richards; a nephew, Robert J. Matson; two nieces, infant Claire Matson, and Anne Matson Collins.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 11:00am in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Main Street, Keene. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Nielsen’s memory to St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o Parish of the Holy Spirit, 161 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431.
