Plan for the Future
Click here to view the Funeral Service
Livestream at 1:00pm on Sat, 11/19
Geoffrey Paul Nilson (“Geoff”) 65, of Chatham, New Jersey, passed away on November 10, 2022 after a long and valiant fight with neuroendocrine cancer. He died at home surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Margaret Tunny Nilson, his three children Colin, Sarah, and Brendan Nilson, his mother Jean Boniface Nilson, and his brothers Ted and Art (Roslyn) Nilson. He is also survived by four beloved brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, thirteen nieces and nephews and one grand- niece. He is predeceased by his dear father Paul Nilson and his good friend and brother-in-law, Tut Weichert.
Geoff was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and lived there until he was 15 when he moved to Chatham. After high school Geoff pursued his passion for cars and went to Lincoln Tech for auto mechanic training. Geoff then enlisted in the US Navy where he served five years.
After his tour in the Navy Geoff attended and graduated from The College of Insurance (TCI) in New York. He spent the rest of his career in insurance, first at Fred S. James, then at Johnson and Higgins, and finally as an employee and then owner of the Nilson Insurance Agency in Morristown, NJ, where he employed many family members and friends. After retiring, he enjoyed helping out family and could often be found on the sidelines of any sport his children were involved with.
Geoff’s passions were many. He loved cars and at his last count he had owned 118 during his lifetime. He loved fixing them up and selling them. He also loved the water. After working in a marina on Squam Lake in NH one summer he developed a love of the lake and visited many times over the years. He also loved spending time at Long Beach Island, but his favorite place was the family home on the Delaware River. Geoff spent many happy hours there with family and friends enjoying water skiing, barefoot water skiing and boating. He even water skied in his tuxedo on his wedding day! A day at the river was not complete without a swim, a ski, a sunset cruise, communal meal and a good campfire. Geoff was a lifelong teacher and loved sharing his knowledge with others, whether it was how to drive a stick, repair a car, about his time in Turkey, how to waterski, the finer points of insurance, or how to build the perfect bonfire. There will be a Memorial Gathering from 11 am – 1 pm with a Celebration of Geoff’s life beginning at 1 pm at the Bradley Funeral Home on Saturday, November 19th. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Geoff’s honor to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. NET Research Foundation, 31 St. James Ave. Suite 365, Boston, MA 02116. NETRF
