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  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a gift to Ufcw Local 655 Leukemia and Lymphoma Fund.
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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to Ufcw Local 655 Leukemia and Lymphoma Fund.
$600.00
Raised by 9 people

Obituary

Philip “Phil” Nilsen, lovingly known as Papa, 77, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away on December 10, 2025, after complications impacted by CLL, a form of leukemia. Our family is absolutely heartbroken.

Phil was a gentle giant—steady, loving, and always there when you needed him. He had a quiet way of making people laugh, sometimes without even trying, and he truly had one of the biggest hearts of anyone who knew him. One of a kind …

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Memories & condolences

How do describe a guy like Phil?  Loving, quick humor,  50+ years of antics, memories to cherish and he adored his fami…
How do describe a guy like Phil?  Loving, quick humor,  50+ years of antics, memories to cherish an…
How do describe a guy like Phil?  Loving, quick humor,  50+ year…

Sue and Phil were probably the first couple Diana and I met after moving to Tilton, NH in 1987.  It was at a school soc…

Sue and Phil were probably the first couple Diana and I met after moving to Tilton, NH in 1987.  It…

Sue and Phil were probably the first couple Diana and I met afte…

December 3rd, sight seeing Christmas lights in the Trolley with his wife Sue and sister. It was nice to hear him sing C…
December 3rd, sight seeing Christmas lights in the Trolley with his wife Sue and sister. It was nic…
December 3rd, sight seeing Christmas lights in the Trolley with …
I am so glad I got to meet Phil and to enjoy many conversations with him, Susan and Valerie.  His wise tid bits will be…
I am so glad I got to meet Phil and to enjoy many conversations with him, Susan and Valerie.  His w…
I am so glad I got to meet Phil and to enjoy many conversations …

Community Involvement

Church

Attendee of

Parrish United Methodist Church

Favorites

What were Philip's favorite songs or musical artists?
Frank Sinatra; Jonny Manthus; James Taylor; Billy Joel; Peter Paul and Mary; Simon a…
Frank Sinatra; Jonny Manthus; James Taylor; Billy Joel; Peter Paul and Mary; Simon and Garfunk…
Frank Sinatra; Jonny Manthus; James Taylor; Billy Joel; Peter Paul and Mary; Simon and Garfunkel
What were Philip's favorite foods?
Ice cream; Diet coke; Ketchup; prime rib; lobster; coconut custard pie; boston cream…
Ice cream; Diet coke; Ketchup; prime rib; lobster; coconut custard pie; boston cream donuts; c…
Ice cream; Diet coke; Ketchup; prime rib; lobster; coconut custard pie; boston cream donuts; coffee;

Timeline

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Born

November 8th, 1948
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Met Susan Nilsen

1963
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Graduated from high school

1967

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Other key details

Cause of death

Cancer

Method of disposition

Cremation

Final resting place

Ashes scattered

Emerson Point Preserve, Palmetto, FL & Marginal Way, Ogunquit ME

Philip's lasting impact
Lasting impact

Philip donated organs

Cornea
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Philip "Papa" Nilsen