David Anthony Nielson

He was born January 22, 1941 in Hollis, Maine. He is the son of Carl and Verna Nielson. David was a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. He received a Purple Heart for his courageous service, and his platoon was featured in the August 25, 1967 edition of Life Magazine.

Following his military service, David worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a diver. He loved hunting, fishing, swimming and enjoyed spending time outdoors in Old Orchard Beach, Sebago, and at his 112 acre hunting camp deep in the woods in Thorndike, Maine.

David also loved his golden retrievers Magnum, Thorndike, Bardo, Annabell, and his current canine companion, a golden lab, Ryker. David loved music, especially Pink Floyd, country and jazz. He was skilled at woodworking which he learned from his father.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Paula (Lerman) Nielson; three children: Steven Nielson and his wife Denise; Kimberly Proya, and Mark Nielson; daughter-in-law Ann Marie Nielson, a brother, Harold Doe and his wife, Diane Fujii-Doe. David was predeceased by his son, David Jr.

He was also survived by multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, a nephew and many friends.

Memorial visitation will be held 2-5pm on Saturday, June 1, with a military honor guard ceremony, toast and words of remembrance at 4pm at Jones, Rich, & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street in Portland. Those who wish may view a livestream of the service using the following URL: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24056227601916

Burial in Sebago will be scheduled for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Honor Flight Maine, to Semper Fi & America's Fund, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com