PARSONSFIELD- Peter F. Nielsen, 77, passed away at his beloved home in Parsonsfield on December 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born in Portland, Maine, son of Christian and Arlene. He graduated from Deering High School in 1967. After graduation, Peter enlisted in the Marine Corps (1968-1972) and bravely served his country in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970 in the 2nd Marine Division 5th Battalion. His service also included a tour in Okinawa, Japan, from 1971-1972. Peter always reflected fondly on his time in Japan. He made friends and even taught the local children how to play baseball. They affectionately called him “Peter San.”
After his military service, Peter spent time in Long Island, New York. He moved back to Maine and married the love of his life, Nancy Lankau, on September 7, 1974, at Aimhi Lodge on Little Sebago Lake. In 1975, they settled in Parsonsfield, which became Peter’s favorite place on Earth. It was there Peter and Nancy raised their four beautiful children. Peter enjoyed the simple things in life, such as raising cows, pigs, turkeys, and chickens; making homemade maple syrup; tending an apple orchard; making cider with an antique apple cider press; haying local fields; spending time in his barn; deer hunting; making birdhouses; and above all else, spending time with his family and friends.
Peter followed in his father’s footsteps and worked on the Railroad. After this, he was a “famous” Zamboni driver and always bragged that he made the best ice around. His last job was the “Boat Captain” on the milfoil boat on Little Sebago Lake, which was a dream come true to get paid to drive a boat on his favorite lake.
Peter was passionate about sports, particularly baseball. He took on the role as baseball coach for the Town of Parsonsfield and coached many successful baseball teams and all-star players. He encouraged his four children to play sports and Peter and Nancy never missed a game, no matter how far they had to travel. Peter’s “air horn” at home basketball games will not be soon forgotten at Sacopee Valley High School. Later in life, Peter enjoyed watching his grandchildren play various sports, and he beamed with pride at their various athletic accomplishments.
A true family man, Peter enjoyed time spent with his family more than anything, especially at the family camp on Little Sebago Lake. Boat rides, tubing, swimming, 4th of July parties, fishing/ice fishing, jumping “the rock,” and drinks around the fire… He loved nothing more than having all of his kids and grandkids Up Ta Camp. He would often say, “If God made anything better, he kept it for himself.”
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy; four children Christian, Todd, Erika, and Luke; daughters in-law Aliiana and Josie; son-in-law Mike; and his seven wonderful grandchildren- Elle, Kali, Colby, Caden, Silas, Isiah, and Lilah. He loved being “Grampie” with all his heart and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. Peter will be missed greatly by extended family and friends, especially his sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and the “Thursday lunch crew,” which included his friend of nearly 75 years, Kevan Welch. The stories they have could fill a book. Lastly, his dog, Duke, will miss their “runs” in the woods and the endless supply of treats.
To know Peter was to love him. He loved to make people laugh. His kindness, humor, generosity, and dedication to his family were inspiring. If there were more Pete Nielsens in the world, it would be a better place. We will all miss his great stories and one-liners. In the words of Pete, “Keep your thumb on it.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peter’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, or Lucky Pup Rescue Maine.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday Jan. 16, 2026, from 12 noon - 2 PM, concluding with USMC Honors at 2 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Celebration of life to follow.
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -