Obituary of Edward C. Nilsen, Jr.

Edward C Nilsen Jr

January 4, 1947 - August 10, 2024

Edward Nilsen, a proud, lifelong Staten Islander and veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on August 10th. He is predeceased by his son, Troy Edward Nilsen( who passed on 9/11/2001 and the love of his life, Mary Olsen Rivas. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Nilsen, his stepchildren, Mary Rivas Barbagallo, Martin Rivas and his wife Patti,  Michael Socko Rivas, and his grandchildren, Scott Nilsen, Ryan Nilsen, Melissa Barbagallo, John Barbagallo Jr, Landy Rivas, Antonio Rivas, Isa Fernandez, and Aiden Fernandez.

Edward was a passionate, inventive, and gifted artist in multiple media, and his paintings and sketches adorned the walls of his home, bringing light, color, and inspiration to visitors. He was also an aficionado of jazz, blues and experimental music, and an excellent cook.

Edward worked for decades at Cary Tire, a New Brighton institution in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and also worked for Wanna Window on Staten Island, Comic Book Jones on Staten Island, and Total Safety Consulting in Bayonne, NJ, before retiring in 2016.

He will be lovingly remembered for his infectious laugh, warm smile, welcoming demeanor to friend and stranger alike, and for his dedication, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He was a perfectionist when it came to himself but never put his expectations onto anyone else. His memory will always be a blessing to those whose lives he touched.