Walter “Skip” H. Nielsen, 82, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on June 11th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Carol (DeKoning) of Trinity, Florida, a son Bill (Marie) Nielsen, a daughter Elizabeth (Fred) Leeseberg, a sister Dianna (Joe) Busch and granddaughter, Kylie.

Born in The Bronx, New York, Skip was a devout Catholic all of his life. He was active on his high school swim and Lacrosse teams and met his wife when they were just 16 years old.

He was a volunteer firefighter in Uniondale, New York as well as a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138.

After graduating high school, Skip enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Radarman on the USS Shadwell (LSD-15) and was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuban Crisis). Skip was honorably discharged in 1967.

Skip developed a passion for the game of golf while working as a Food & Beverage Manager at the former Colonie Hill Golf Club in Hauppauge, Long Island.

He moved to Florida with his wife and children in 1973 where he and Carol operated and managed Golf Courses, including; Nine Eagles in Odessa, Ironwood in Hudson and Silver Dollar in Odessa. He also worked at Lexington Oaks in Wesley Chapel up until his retirement.

He was a Little League coach for his son in the Dunedin American Little League. Skip also coached his daughter’s soccer team for Our Lady of Lourdes.

Skip was a devoted husband and an amazing father. He was a talented artist and avid wood carver expressing his love of animals, most especially birds of all kinds.

In their later years, he and Carol enjoyed many friendships at Crescent Oaks Golf Club in Tarpon Springs.

Skip is greatly missed by loved ones and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association at Diabetes.org.