Nielsen, Donald Raymond
Donald Raymond Nielsen, age 91, of Orange, CT passed away on May 29, 2020. Donald was the son of the late Raymond and Catherine Nielsen. Donald was born on May 17 1929, grew up in West Haven and graduated from West Haven High in 1947 where he was very active in sports. He attended New Haven YMCA Junior College, now known as UNH for 2 years. Donald was employed by SNET for 40 years, starting as a mail boy and worked his way up to Manger of the Corporate Data Test Center till 1987. Donald served in the National Guard 102 Infantry and the Air Force during the Korea War. Donald was past President of the New Haven Industrial Management Club from 1971-1975. He was then appointed in 1979 to President of the International Management Council, a national program of the YMCA, including chapters in Taiwan. Donald joined the New Haven Gridiron Club in 1968. Becoming president in 1979, serving 4 terms, and then Executive Director until the present. Donald was also a member of Orange Congregational Church and a member of Orange Lodge #143. Donald greatest joy was his wife, son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Attending all Football Games home and away. Some awards that Donald received where The Gold Ring New Haven Boys and Girls Club Alumni 1995, Distingushed American Award New Haven Football Foundation 2000, New Haven Gridiron Club Hall of Fame 2002, CT Sports Writers Alliance Good Sport Award 2011 and The West Haven Football Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award 2017. Donald is survived by his son Brent D. (Shirley) Nielsen of West Haven, his granddaughter Katie (David) Busk of SC, his grandson Jeffrey (Angela) Nielsen of West Haven, his great grandchildren Mason and Lacey Busk of SC and Jaxson and Jaymeson Nielsen of West Haven, his sister Lois Estep of Old Lyme and nephew Keith Estep of Moosup. Donald was preceded by his wife Nancy Burnham Nielsen. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Haven Gridiron Club or CT Hospice in Branford, who were so wonderful to both Nancy and Donald.
At this time, based on the current Covid-19 health guidelines, a memorial service will be held in the future. West Haven Funeral Home at the Green in care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at
www.westhavenfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on May 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Nielsen

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8 Entries

Kevin Glbride

May 24, 2021

The year passing has not lessened the hole in all of our hearts who had the privilege of being Don's friend. His warmth and concern for you always made you feel better after seeing him.
His example set a clear and bright path for us to follow to improve and augment the game of football and each others lives.
Kevin Gilbride

Roy & Stephanie Cuzzocreo

June 4, 2020

Brent and Shirley, Roy & I are so sorry to learn of your father's passing. Sending our sympathy to your whole family at this time.

Dominic Rapini

June 3, 2020

A true Gridiron warrior. We thank you for everything you have done for the game we love!

Kevin Gilbride

June 3, 2020

Brent,
Your dad was a special man who was able to brighten the lives of everyone he spent any time with. His goodness was immediately apparent, enabling him to convince you to become a part of any project he was involved with because you knew it was for the right reasons and people would benefit because of it. Through my years at Southern Connecticut and then in professional football he supported my career tirelessly, always complimenting me on a win and consoling me thru any losses. His work thru the New Haven Gridiron Club enriched the football experience for many a New Haven area player and coach. It was a privilege to have Don as a friend and his goodness will never be forgotten.
Kevin Gilbride

Tom Godek

June 2, 2020

Sympathy
sent to the Nielsen family from all former & current coaches & players of the Southern Connecticut State University (a.k.a. SCSC) Football program. We thank Don for all the years of support, wit, knowledge and most importantly friendship. He and the entire New Haven Gridiron Club truly a class act. Rest in Peace.

Michael DeVito

June 2, 2020

Don was a true gentleman and it was an honor to call him a friend. He taught me so much over the years while working with him with the New Haven Gridiron Club.
My heart felt sincere condolences to the entire family.
Don no doubt is resting comfortably with his loving wife looking down on his adoring family. Rest In Peace Don.

Bill O'Brien

June 2, 2020

First and foremost Don was a loving husband and father as well as an outstanding citizen who will be missed. Condolences to Brent and the Nielsen family.

Ed McCarthy

June 1, 2020

My sincere condolences to Brent and all of the Nielsen Family upon Don's passing. Don was the consummate leader of the New Haven Gridiron Club for a solid portion of his long and meaningful life. Of course, Nancy was right by his side for the entire journey.
For the past thirty-eight years, Don was a friend and a mentor to me. The Gridiron Club has been a significant part of my life. Our conversations were certainly plentiful and meaningful. He was blessed with an incredible memory and recall of events and games of long ago. I am certain that Don was the individual that contributed the most to collegiate and high school football in the New Haven area. I thank and congratulate him for his endeavors.
Rest easy, old friend.

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