Frank G. Nilson, Jr., 89
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Frank G. Nilson, Jr., age 89, of Mansfield passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at the Epoch Senior Healthcare in Norton. He was the beloved husband of Lois M. (Gleason) Nilson to whom he was wed on April 26, 1952.
Born in Milton, MA on November 25, 1924, he was a loving son of the late Frank G., Sr. and Ethel A. (Corbett) Nilson.
Frank grew up in Milton and was a graduate of Milton High School. During WWII he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre and saw action during the Battle of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on March 3, 1946 with the rank of Coxswain.
After serving in the military, Frank resumed his education and graduated from the former New London Junior College, Springfield College and the former Worcester State College.
Mr. Nilson was a retried Elementary School Principal having worked for the Mansfield Public School System from 1960-1985. Following retirement he became the pastor of the Cushman Union Church in North Attleboro.
A resident of Mansfield for the past 53 years, Frank was actively involved and a well respected member in the Mansfield community.
Mr. Nilson was an active longtime member of the First Christian Church in West Mansfield where he served in various capacities including being a Deacon of the church.
Frank’s other memberships included serving as a Ombudsman for the Bristol Elder Services and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Mansfield Council on Aging.
When younger he was a member of the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Dept. and served as an assistant Scout Master for Troup 5 in West Mansfield. He also volunteered his time coaching the Mansfield Golf and Ice Hockey teams and enjoyed playing the trombone.
In addition to his beloved wife of 61 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Bruce G. Nilson and his wife Donna of Pennsylvania, Barry C. Nilson and his wife Donna of New Hampshire, Bryan K. Nilson of Mansfield, and Martha J. Pierce and her husband Jon of Mansfield. He was the dear brother of Edith G. Conti of Brewster and is also survived by his cherished 6 granddaughters, 5 grandsons, and 4 great grandchildren.
His funeral service, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday, December 27th at 10:30 A.M. in the First Christian Church, 11 Otis St., West Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow in the Milton Cemetery, Milton.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 26th from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Nilson’s memory may be made to the memorial fund of the First Christian Church, 11 Otis St., Mansfield, MA 02048 or the Mansfield Fire Department’s Student Awareness for Fire Education Program, 10 Plymouth St., Mansfield, MA 02048
To send Frank’s family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com