William Nilan Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

NILAN, William William Joseph Nilan, 88, died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2008, following a short illness. His last months were spent in the care of Park Springs' Cobblestone staff and Cornerstone Hospice workers who provided support to Eleanor Nilan, Bill's wife of 59 years. Bill and Ellie's children; Diane, IL; Mike (Ann), Atlanta; Sue (Chuck) Wanzer, Blowing Rock, NC; Chris (Colleen), Atlanta; and Patty, Santa Rosa Beach, FL shared time with him before and during his illness. Bill was born to Delia (Kilkelly) and Michael Nilan on September 11, 1920 in Stamford, CT. He served in the US Navy during World War II. His parents and sisters, Josephine and Agnes, preceded him in death. Bill married Eleanor Moyes from Stamford, CT, in 1948. Bill, Ellie and their children moved from Connecticut to Florida in 1956. He created various gift-related businesses in the half-century of his work life, including Nilan's Alley, one of the largest gift manufacturer's representative organizations in the country. The Nilan family moved to Atlanta in 1969. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren; William and Christopher Nilan, North Carolina; Christen, Taylor, Andrew, Patrick, Michael, Keller and McKenna, Atlanta. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, Rev. Richard Morrow officiating. Cremation arrangements are being handled by H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Directors, Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice (www.cornerstonehospice.com) or Diane's nonprofit organization, HEAR US Inc. (www.hearus.us).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Nilan

13 Entries

Sherry Hodge

October 16, 2008

My heartfelt prayers are extended to the family. A true Patriarch will be missed by so many. Many Blessings to You All.

Lisa Murray

October 14, 2008

To the Nilan Family:

My heart & prayers go out to each of you during this loss. I know that this is not an easy time nor will be the days that follow. Just remember how many lives Bill touched and how many people he inspired throughout his life. You remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Christie Batterman-Jordan

October 13, 2008

Dear Mrs. Nilan, Chris, Mike, Patty, Sue - I am saddened to hear about Bill's passing and send you all my sympathy. I spent nearly 20 years as a vendor at Nilan's Alley, and have many warm memories from those times. I remember very clearly, how, as a scared young exhibitor, Bill was always kind, generous and supportive of me. My very first gift show included a shrimp dinner at your house! I felt welcomed by the entire Nilan family. Bill was, in so many ways, the honorary 'god-father' of my business, and I owe much of my 30 years if success in the giftware business to his sound advice. He was an excellent mentor who celebrated good ideas and encouraged improvement when my ideas fell flat. His knowledge was vast, his advice was wise and compelling and I always appreciated his insights and his unabashed love for entrepreneurship and hard work. I felt honored to be part of the Nilan giftware network. My sincere condolences to the entire Nilan family. Very Truly Yours,

Freda English

October 13, 2008

Your entire family is and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May you experience the peace that passes all understanding today and always.

Pat Van Doren

October 13, 2008

You are in my prayers

Laurie Bishop Bogue

October 13, 2008

May God's love give you the peace and strength needed at this time.
I am so fortunate to have known Bill Nilan and his family... He always seemed to be so full of joy and life.

Ann Windham

October 13, 2008

The Nilan Family:
Heartfelt wishes and prayers are with you all. Bill and his family touched and was involved in my life for 25 years in his various business entities. Bill was a most brilliant and caring person in both personal and business relationships. He loss is deeply felt.

Ed Freeman

October 13, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a pioneer in our industry and a real gentleman.

Helen Jilek

October 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Daffy Windham

October 13, 2008

To the Nilan Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! The Nilan family and Bill most importantly touched my life at a very early age. Bill always gave me great advice and taught me so much about work and life, and for that I am grateful.
Many Blessings and peace in your heart,
Robin (Daffy) Windham

Brian and Sharon Dippel

October 13, 2008

Mike, Chris, Eleanor, Patty, and Family,
May your memories give you strength. May the peace that comes from memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Karen Turk

October 12, 2008

For Ellie,and Diane, Mike, Sue, Chris and Patty, and family: Know that thoughts and prayers of others reach out to you all at this time of loss. May memories help you celebrate the many years you shared.

Ken and Deany Edmonds

October 12, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results