Nils Erik Gyllensten

Nils Erik Gyllensten, 41, of West Haven, CT. passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2016. He was born on July 16, 1974, the cherished son of Nils and Sharon Gyllensten of Madison, CT. He is survived by his beloved wife, Allison Martin Gyllensten and his twin three year old sons, Trevor and Tyler. He was the brother of Jennifer (Brook) Stockton, Scott (Susan) Gyllensten, Stacy (Steven) Ernst, and Brian Gyllensten. He is also survived by his mother and father in law, Ron and Pam Martin, his brother and sister in law, Andrew and Jennifer Drennen, and six nieces and nephews, Bridgette, Alex and Jacob Ernst, Shannon Stockton, Seth Gyllensten, and Thomas Drennen as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Erik moved with his family to Madison in 1978 where he attended the Madison Public School System, graduating in 1993. He attended Jacksonville University where he became a proud member of the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon and also attended Southern Connecticut State University. He worked in the paint industry for most of his adult life, most recently working as Head of Maintenance (BTS Project) at Apple Rehab in West Haven. His life forever changed when he married Allison in 2011 and with the birth of his sons a year later. He adored them and truly loved spending every waking moment with them and sharing their adventures with anyone who would listen. Erik made friends wherever he went. He loved keeping in touch with family and friends and created the Madison, CT. Facebook page “to catch up with old friends and maybe make new ones” which brought together over 2000 community members. He also connected with distant family across the world taking great pride in his Swedish heritage. Erik was an “armchair” sports enthusiast who loved the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. He was an active member of New Departure Fish and Game Club, especially looking forward to their annual fishing day where his nephew and his sons learned to fish. He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and believed in living in the moment. He always said that life is too short to spend it worrying. His favorite quote was “Life is what you make it, so make it.”

His passing will forever leave a void in the lives of his family and friends.

His family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2016, from 5-7:30 P.M. with services immediately following at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road Madison. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Go Fund Me contribution to the fund setup for Trevor and Tyler. https://www.gofundme.com/TrevorandTyler