David Carl Nielsen

David “Dave” Carl Nielsen 69, passed away on November 26, 2020 at Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Laraia). Born in Hartford, CT, in 1951, he was the son of the late Leslie and Jeannette Nielsen. He grew up and lived most of his early years in Bloomfield, CT, (Bloomfield HS,’71) on the family farm, Chris Nielsen & Sons Dairy. There, he worked alongside his father and uncles performing farm chores and “peddling milk,” as he would say. His farming life became a passion for him, leading him to major in Agriculture at the University of Connecticut, ‘76. Although during high school and college he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Dave found his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, first as a meat grader, working a short stint with the FDA, and culminating as an auditor/investigator for the produce industry (PACA).

In his younger years, Dave had many interests, including Little League and school musicals, and excelled in skiing and sailing, but Dave LOVED his muscle cars. He participated in autocrossing and car rallies and even met his future wife in this setting!

Dave had a love for recreational boating and eventually became a member of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. Dave devoted countless hours volunteering with these two organizations, and taught many different classes to other boaters, with an emphasis on safe boating. After his early retirement, Dave and Karen relocated to Southwest Florida. There, Dave continued his love for boating, serving in many official positions within the two mentioned organizations, and winning countless awards. Many of his awards were for the newspaper column he wrote for years, entitled “Rules of the Road,” and his articles went on to appear in local, as well as national, publications. Dave also loved his part-time Florida job working as a dispatcher for Sea Tow for over 10 years.

Dave’s volunteerism stood out most brightly in his dedication to giving blood. He achieved a lifetime total donation of 26 gallons. Included in that number were 81 visits dedicated solely to platelet donations, often giving double and triple units at each visit, and thus, saved many lives.

In addition to his wife, Karen, of 45 years, Dave leaves behind his sisters, Beverly, and her husband, Raymond Wallner; Janice and her husband Bryan Burk; a brother-in-law, Charles Laraia and his wife, Debra, as well as nephews and extended family members and friends. He was pre-deceased by a sister, Jean Leslie Nielsen and a nephew, Michael Burk.

Not to be left out, Dave leaves behind his beloved “Velcro dog,” Sydney, a beautiful, female Australian Shepherd. Dave and Sydney were known around town to visit all the local hardware stores and other dog-welcoming shops, where Sydney would be the recipient of many cookie treats from the workers there.

Due to current health concerns, future services are yet to be determined. Thank you for your understanding. In the meantime, monetary donations may be made to SunCoast Blood Centers, 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111, Bradenton, FL, 34211, www.scbb.org, click “Support,” then “Financial Gifts.” Or, consider a donation of blood at one of your local centers, and maybe mention Dave’s name!