Obituary for Gary L Nilsson
Gary L. Nilsson
AUSTINTOWN - Gary L. Nilsson, 65, passed away early Tuesday evening, May 25, 2010, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born Jan. 13, 1945, in Youngstown, a son of the late Reuben and Ellen Erickson Nilsson and was a lifelong area resident.
He was a 1963 graduate of Boardman High School and served in the U.S. Air Force, working on B52s in New Hampshire.
Gary worked at the General Electric Mazda Lamp Plant in Youngstown, and later for GE in Warren, retiring in October of 2000 after more than 35 years with the company.
Mr. Nilsson was a caretaker of Pioneer Pavilion in Mill Creek Park for the past three years, and had previously been an Austintown volunteer firefighter for 13 years.
He was a member of the Chapter M Honda Motorcycle group and of the Mustang Club of America, and loved to show his ‘69 Ford Torino Cobra at various car shows throughout the area.
Gary also enjoyed fishing, NASCAR racing, and was passionate about going to Mountaineer Gaming Resort. But most importantly, Gary enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends.
Mr. Nilsson leaves his beloved wife, Ruth A. Johnston Nilsson, whom he married Aug. 5, 1967; two daughters, Kristin Nilsson (Sheldon Ross) of Chicago and Amy Nilsson of Howland; and three grandchildren, Cassandra, Zachary, and Hunter Murcko.
Gary will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 28, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
Family and friends may also call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, where services will take place at 11 a.m.
Interment with military honors will follow at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.
Gary’s family thanks everyone at the Hope Center for the kindness shown and care given to Gary during his illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512