Robert Nielsen

Robert Nielsen, age 84, of Montgomery, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2013. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of sixty years, Dolores; five children: Barbara (Gilford,Jr) Dudley, Robert (Billie Tannen) Nielsen, Beth (Dr. Robert Sherman) Nielsen Chapman, Beverly Rochester and Laura (Dr.Giovanni) Herrera; four grandchildren: Megean (Robb) Carter, Ernest (Jessica) Chapman, Gilford ("Tripp") Dudley,III and Shannon (Robert) Cash; and three great-grandchildren: Currin Still Carter, Luke Steele Cash and Cameron Elizabeth Carter.

Mr. Nielsen grew up in the Bronx, New York with his parents, Harry and Elizabeth Nielsen and his two brothers, Harry and Bill, all of whom are deceased.

Mr. Nielsen attended Barringer High School in Newark, NJ where he won the state championship in the discus as a senior. It was here that he took up fencing and earned a scholarship to Columbia University in New York where he graduated in 1951. An accomplished athlete and a student of the great fencing master, Giorgio Santelli, he made history during his sophomore year in '49 becoming the first Columbia fencer to earn All-American status. In 1950, Mr. Nielsen won the National Championship in foil, another Columbia first. Named captain of the '51 squad, he led the Lions to their first ever NCAA Championship, repeating as national champion in foil ( a record he still holds today). A three time All-American, Mr. Nielsen earned a spot on Columbia's Dream Team for men's fencing. One of his highest honors came in October 2012 when he was inducted into the Columbia University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Post- college Mr. Nielsen joined the Air Force as a bombardier navigator, serving in the Korean War. He went into Procurement in the later years of his service after some time spent in Strategic Air Command.

He married Dolores Kelly in 1953 and together they raised five children while traveling in the Air Force. 1973 brought Mr. Nielsen to Montgomery where he retired as a Major. He then went on to teach math and was a guidance counselor at Catholic High School for the next thirteen years. Mr. Nielsen continued his athletic exploits over his lifetime - competing as a senior fencer and coaching high school track and field and a local fencing club. He remained an avid fencer winning the Alabama State Foil Championship on two occasions. He won many medals as a Senior Olympian in the discus and shot put, setting new state records. A staunch competitor, Mr. Nielsen loved to play tennis and bowl. In his later years, he was always ready to play cards or a board game, especially Scrabble.

Affectionately known as "PaPa" by his grandchildren and "Poppy" by his great-grandchildren, Mr. Nielsen's family was the most important thing in his life. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His presence was always one of peace and nurturing for those who depended on him and sought his counsel. He leaves a living legacy of love in the hearts of all who had the privilege to get to know him, and he lives on in the hearts of his family. Whether it was through the power of his calming presence, his deep and rich singing voice heard both at home and in church, or his quick wit and genuine smile, Robert Nielsen will be remembered fondly, and missed dearly.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Bede Catholic Church on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Father David Carucci officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior in the Parish Hall. Interment will follow at Serenity Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.