Obituary of Thomas W. Nielsen

Thomas W. Nielsen

Bainbridge—Thomas W. Nielsen, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at his home after a brief illness.  Tom was born on December 9, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Walter and Maria (Schlobohm) Nielsen. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ria Nielsen; two daughters, Chris and Bill Metch and Jamie and Chris Saputo; six grandchildren:  Jess and Tyler Beckwith, Eric Avery, CJ Saputo, Tom Saputo, Dan and Jeni Metch and Jake and Mary Kate Metch; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Colton Metch; and his sister, June and Burt Ebanks.

Following high school, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force and served four years until his honorable discharge in 1964.  They spent most of their life and raised their family on Long Island.  After retiring from Goldman Sachs as an operations manager, Tom and Ria spent about ten years in St Croix and finally settled in Bainbridge where they’ve resided for the past 17 years.

Tom loved the outdoors, especially boating, fishing and camping.  They enjoyed traveling and went on several cruises.  Tom and Ria were volunteer mediators for Catholic Charities, and volunteered for Friends of the Libraries in Sidney.  Tom was genuine and kind and made friends wherever he went.  His life was truly well lived and he will be dearly missed.

Friends are invited to call from 1:00-3:00pm on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838.  Memorial services with military honors will follow at 3:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society. 

Share condolences and memories with the family online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.