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 in every sense, Phil leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a strong spirit, and countless funny stories that continue to surface and bring comfort. Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this time.

Philip was born on November 8, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, to Olaf and Murial Nilsen. He grew up in Staten Island as the middle child of three, with an older sister, Lylia, and a younger sister, Valerie. He attended Tottenville High School, where he met the love of his life, Susan.

After graduating, Phil attended the Divinity program at Luther College before enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge he married his high school sweetheart, Susan. Together, they shared 54 years of marriage built on love, partnership, and devotion.

As newlyweds, Phil and Susan embarked on an adventure that brought them to New Hampshire, where they settled in Tilton and made their home for 45 years. It was there that they raised their two children, Holly and Scott. Phil was a force of nature—determined, hardworking, and deeply committed to providing for his family and giving them the life he believed they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often said and showed through his actions.

Phil was deeply proud to own and run his own business, a reflection of his independence, work ethic, and love of connecting with people. He became a familiar and welcoming presence at fairs, events, and markets, where he sold his goods and made genuine connections with passersby. For many, he was more than a vendor—he was a listener, a storyteller, and a source of counsel, often offering encouragement or advice like a traveling counselor. Strangers rarely stayed strangers for long when Phil was around.

A defining chapter of Phil’s life was his sobriety. He lived sober for 39 years, embracing life one day at a time and making a conscious effort to stop and smell the roses along the way. Through his honesty, humility, and steady presence, Phil served as a sponsor to many, quietly changing lives and offering hope and helping others find their footing.

Phil also took great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved golf, a really good meal, a strong cup of coffee, and—true to form—ketchup on just about everything. These small, familiar comforts were part of what made him so unmistakably Phil.

Phil was unendingly proud of his wife, Susan, and his children, Holly and Scott, and always did his best to support them in every way. Anyone who knew Phil knew he was the most loving husband, father, and grandfather a family could ask for.

Phil was predeceased by his sister, Lylia. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his sister, Valerie; his daughter, Holly, son-in-law, Reid, and granddaughter, Alyson; and his son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Meaghann, and granddaughters, Maleigh and Evelynn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Parrish United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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