Robert J. Nielsen, 90, Former Bedford Fire Chief Remembered Fondly

From the family of Robert J. Nielsen.

Robert J. Nielsen passed away at the age of 90 on January 9, 2024.

He was predeceased by his wife Cathleen Nielsen. He is survived by his son Robert J. Nielsen Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Bedford, NY, his daughter Patricia Nielsen of Branford, CT, his grandchildren Robert J. Nielsen III and his wife Carissa of Bishop, CA, Matthew Nielsen and his wife Amy of Brooklyn, NY, John Nielsen of Bedford, NY and Sam Nielsen of Bedford, NY and his great-grandchildren Gwen and George Nielsen of Brooklyn, NY.

Bob was raised in Woodlawn in the Bronx and was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. He is a veteran of the Korean War having served in the Army.

Bob did upholstery and drapery installation in theaters from Broadway to Venezuela to the old Cinema 22 in what is now Citibank in Bedford, NY.

He and Cathy raised their family in Bedford Village where Bob volunteered with the Fire Department serving as Chief from 1981 to 1983. The family wishes to thank Bob’s caregivers at Maplewood at Orange and Connecticut Hospice for all they did to make him comfortable in his final days.

A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held in the near future in Bedford Village.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or the Bedford Fire Department, P.O. Box 230, Bedford, NY 10506.