Philip L. Nilson, Jr.

Philip Lawrence Nilson, Jr., Father, Grandfather, Educator and Troubadour 

January 9, 1941 – June 17, 2017

Philip Lawrence Nilson, Jr., late of Oakdale, NY and Torremolinos, Spain died peacefully in his sleep June 17, 2017 at approximately 6:30pm. He was surrounded by his loving family throughout.

Born in Bayside, Queens New York on January 9th 1941 to Philip L. Nilson, Sr., and Evelyn Svenson the family moved to St. James in 1951 with other families of Swedish/Norwegian descent. In St. James the families established community, built the Saint James Lutheran Church and joined the Fire Department. Philip, an only child, spent his formative years fishing the harbors of Long Island Sound and immersing himself in playing the guitar and singing. He would develop his guitar playing and singing to a semi-professional level playing countless weddings and clubs around Long Island, NY for over 40 years.

In 1960 at twenty years of age, Philip married Mary Lou Werle.  They met while working for Pan American Airlines; together they had two children Cindee and David. The family lived in St James, NY around the corner from their parents, grandparents and cousins. The marriage lasted for ten years.

Philip graduated from New Paltz College in NY and joined the Sachem Central School district as a History teacher. During his career he completed two Masters in History at CW Post College on Long Island and rose to History department chairman.  After thirty five successful years he retired from full-time teaching in 1997.  (Lifelong educator)

In the mid-seventies, while Phil’s first marriage had concluded, he met Nancy Nichols Welsh, a colleague teaching special education also within the Sachem School district. They fell deeply in love and were married in 1977. During their entire marriage they were only apart for one week while Phil joined his son, David, on a naval cruise from Hawaii to San Diego.

Nancy brought to the relationship her own children, Nancy and Chip Welsh, the product of her first marriage. Phil established immediately the full acceptance of Nancy and Chip as one of his own and brought much needed fatherly leadership to the family. For the decade of the 70’s Phil managed to maintain his responsibilities as a father to both sets of children while working as a teacher and playing music on the weekends. These were his most productive and hectic years.

With Phil’s honest, steady and unwavering leadership all four children established themselves in their own careers, Cindee as a business accountant/singer-song-write, David as a Captain in the Arizona State Police, Nancy in Creative Advertising and Chip as Vice President in Technology Sales. Phil could not be more proud of their accomplishments.

For Phil and Nancy the decade of the 90’s brought much happiness. With children established they were finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. They travelled to Europe extensively during winter/summer-breaks from school and established a residence in Torremelinos, Spain. Together they convinced their many friends to join them on European trips that would be the highlight of their lives.

In 1999 Nancy was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease – a terminal illness. Phil supported her through this very difficult journey with all of his love, strength and dedication. They continued to travel and live full lives together. Nancy was finally laid to rest June 16, 2003. (…coincidence that Phil died June 17th?)

The last chapter of Phil’s life was spent with his partner Raile Roslund a Finnish gal who was good friends with both Nancy and Phil during their time in Spain. True to form Phil established a strong relationship with Raila and loved and supported her until her death last summer.

Throughout his wonderful life Phil’s most distinct characteristics were his honesty, steadiness, dedication, fidelity and love of family.

Phil is survived by his children and their spouses: Cindee and Tom Miller, David and Stephanie Nilson, Chip and Melissa Welsh. His grandchildren: Shane, Jamie and Josh, Tommy, Dustin, Brittnie, Donny and expectant great grandchild, Lily and Max.

There will be a wake/viewing:

Sunday June 25th from 2-6pm

Raynor D’Andrea Funeral Home 245 Main Street, West Sayville, NY

Funeral Monday June 26th 11am

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church 257 Middle Road, Sayville, NY

Phil will be laid to rest next to the true love of his life Nancy Nilson and daughter Nancy Welsh.

 Service Information