Nils G. Gyllensten Jr.

Nils (Butch) G. Gyllensten, 78, of Wallingford, Connecticut, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Autumn Lake Rehabilitation Center in Cromwell, Connecticut, after a long illness. He was the loving husband of Sharon L. (Jutton) Gyllensten.

Nils was born in Danbury, Connecticut, the son of the late Nils Gyllensten and Margaret (Hancock) Gyllensten. At the age of 12, he became an avid chess player and often competed against adults at the Danbury Chess Club, where he was a proud member. He was a graduate of Danbury High School, Class of 1966. After a brief time working at the Danbury News-Times, Nils entered the paint industry, where he spent the remainder of his career in both retail and industrial sales.

Family was everything to Nils. Raised in a small family of four, he married into a large family of ten, forming deep bonds with both his immediate and extended relatives. He had a passion for dogs, playing pinochle, country music, the beach, and his extensive collection of Tweety Bird memorabilia. But above all, he cherished his wife and five children. Nils loved camping with his family, enjoying picnics at the Surf Club, and hosting large family dinners. His children fondly remember rainy camping trips, where their dad’s tarping skills kept them dry. Coming from a family of diner owners, Nils had a natural talent for cooking for a crowd, especially during the holidays. His famous turkey soup and homemade pizza were family favorites.

Nils adored his wife, Sharon, leaving her thoughtful notes each day, spoiling her with gifts on every holiday, and finding joy in spending time with her. He considered her his soulmate, and his greatest joy was making her happy.

Another of Nils’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather. He relished spending time with his seven grandchildren and attending their various sporting and extracurricular events.

Nils was predeceased by his beloved son, Nils Erik Gyllensten, his sister, Carol (Gyllensten) Laverdure, his brother-in-law, Jacques Laverdure, and his brother-in-law, Bill McCarthy.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Nils is survived by his children: Jennifer (Brook) Stockton, Scott (Sue) Gyllensten, Stacy (Steve) Ernst, and Brian Gyllensten; his daughter-in-law, Allison Gyllensten; his grandchildren: Bridgette, Alexander, Jacob, Shannon, Seth, Trevor, and Tyler; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and his beloved dog, Sandy.

Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours from 4:00–7:00 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street in Danbury, where a memorial service will also be held.

A Prayer Service will be conducted at 6:45pm on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nils’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090, or online at donorservices.alz.org.