Theodore Louis Nilsson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Theodore “Ted” Louis Nilsson. Born January 19, 1955 in Queens, Ted grew up in Farmingdale, NY with his parents Ted and Marie, and two sisters, Lois and Gail. Raised in a home where he was surrounded by great examples of people who dedicated their life to the service of others in the military and the FDNY, Ted decided he would also live to serve. After graduating from St. John’s University in 1977 (he loved commuting driving his ’73 fire engine red Chevy Camaro), Ted went to Stony Brook University to become a Respiratory Therapist.

After working at Southside Hospital for a few years, he met the love of his life, Janine. They were married in 1984 and raised their four children in East Moriches, NY. Being a dad was Ted’s greatest joy. He was always in attendance for games, concerts, plays, and just about anything else his children were involved in. He loved taking them to New York City, especially Shea Stadium and Citi Field for Mets games.

After working in various hospitals throughout Suffolk County (Southside, Southampton, Brookhaven, and Mather), Ted became the Director of Respiratory Care at Mather Hospital in 2002, a role he held until his retirement in 2020. Prior to his retirement, Ted offered to delay his departure in order to continue leading his department as COVID-19 spread across New York. As a final act of selflessness on his last day, Ted donated blood before leaving the hospital.

Ultimately, Ted faced his own battle with COVID-19, leading to his passing on March 6, 2021. He is survived by his wife Janine and four children, Ted (Catherine), Christian (Stephanie), Jared (Jaime), and Luke (Harley); his three grandchildren, Lina, Teddy, and Harper; his mother Marie and sisters Lois, and Gail. He is predeceased by his father, Ted.

Ted was a quiet, humble man who left a lasting impact on all who knew him and he will be missed forever.