Gerald N. Nilsen, Sr.

Gerald Nilsen, Sr. 87 of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict. He then established a career as the owner and operator of “Nilsen N Sons Plumbing” and with pride, assisted many who required his services by, “Plumbing the way it used to be!”

He enjoyed camping trips, ballroom dancing, tennis, surg fishing and taking cruises. In his later years, he found solace in time spent reading and crabbing with his best friend, his son, Gerald Jr. Above all else, Gerald cherished his time with his family. He was a true, “Jack-of-all-trades”, holding knowledge in everything that he did, while living his life to the fullest. He will be remembered in the hearts of his family, who will continue to carry on his legacy in everything that they do. 

Gerald is welcomed into Heaven by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Shirlyanne Nilsen. His sons, John Nilsen, Scott Nilsen, and Mark Nilsen. As well as his grandson, Gerald Nilsen, III and his beloved Petey. 

He will be forever missed by his loving family, son, Gerald Nilsen, Jr., of Toms River, NJ. Daughter, Lyrae and her husband Billy Fenton of Missouri and daughter Dawn Nilsen of South River, NJ. Three grandchildren, Angelique and her husband Harlan Davis, William Fenton Jr., and Cheyann Farrokhian. Four great grandchildren, Jayden Williams Farrokhian, Lyla Mae Farrokhian, Alena Farrokhian and Oliver Lee Davis, as well as a wealth of beloved extended family and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends to celebrate Gerald’s life on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Raritan Bay Funeral Service, 241 Bordentown Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879. Interment will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ. Those who plan to attend interment services are encouraged to arrive at the funeral home on Thursday, February 3. 2022 by 9AM.