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Troy Nilsen Obituary
Every day at 6:30 p.m., when Scott Nilsen, 5, and his brother, Ryan, 3, heard their father's footsteps approaching their home in Staten Island, they would race to be the one to open the door. Sometimes Scott won, sometimes Ryan did, and the other would be left crying. So Troy E. Nilsen, home after a long day of work as a network engineer at Cantor Fitzgerald, would walk out, re-enter, greet the second one first, and make both boys smile.
Scott is autistic, "but he loved him no matter what, unconditionally," said Jennifer Nilsen, Mr. Nilsen's widow. And because of Scott's autism, Mr. Nilsen, 33, lavished more attention on him than on Ryan. He put Scott to bed every night, read him books, taught him the alphabet, taught him to swim and even went down slides with him.
"Troy helped Scott to become who he is today," said Mrs. Nilsen, who now tucks Scott in every night. "But now after I put Scott to bed, he would come out and look around. He's used to his daddy putting him to sleep. He misses him."
And when Mrs. Nilsen tells Ryan that his daddy is an angel flying in the sky, the boy is incredulous. "He would say, no, Daddy is working," she said. "And then, I would tell him: `Daddy cannot come back. People took Daddy; they stole him away from us.'"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank J Woznica
September 11, 2024
I´m sorry for the loss of your husband and father of you children, my condolences go out to you, your children and your family of your husband who passed away Senseless act of terrorism.
Cara
March 2, 2024
The story of how Troy would go back and re-enter the house when one of his sons would beat the other to the door so that they could both be first touched my heart. He sounds like he was a great father and a great man. I'm so sorry for what happened, my condolences to Troy's family and friends. Happy birthday in heaven to Troy, he is never forgotten.
Sonya W
September 11, 2023
I'm watching the live memorial service today and I saw someone holding up Troy's name and picture. I immediately looked him up and got to read about this incredible person. I just wanted you to know that we care about him and all those who loved him. I hope everyone in Troy's family is doing well.
A.L.
July 14, 2019
This gentleman did not die in vain that tragic morning in 2001. I bet Troy had found bliss in his next life.
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S J. Friscia III
July 10, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
ANTHONY PACIFICO
September 9, 2012
REST IN PEACE... NEVER FORGOTTEN
Liz Kerrigan-Ortega
September 12, 2011
RIP my dear cousin love you always
JORDAN H
May 21, 2011
Troy I dont know you or your family but I pray for them every night. 9/11 changed my life tottally. I have never forgotten. I pray for peace and comfort for your family.God bless you and your family they are forever in my prayers. R.I.P
sheryl altvater
May 1, 2011
Troy, It's been a few years since I have been there but I have never forgotten you or your family. I wonder who your sons are doing and how Jennifer is doing. Also how Chandelle is.
Its been 10 years since 9/11 and it's just been confirmed that Osama Bin Laden is dead.. We can all rejoice now.. RIP Troy.
Kristl L. Rosebrook
September 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristal L. Rosebrook
Pam Itsapyr
September 11, 2010
Jenn, you don't know me but I am an internet friend of Chan's. About 4 years ago she told me about Troy and posted a picture of him. It turns out I have a picture of him in a book that Time Life put out about remembering 9/11. I think of you and your family everytime 9/11 is mentioned and just wanted to let you know that there are those of us you don't know who think of you and your family on this day.
Carmen
September 11, 2010
You are missed and remembered this and everyday
Donna Snelling
September 11, 2010
We miss you and love you.You are always in our thoughts.
Karen Cowhig
March 15, 2009
Dear Troy, it still feels like it was yesterday that I would see you on the bus or in the building, going up or down the escalator. Please know that you are remembered always! Dear Jenn, we love and miss you, Scott and Ryan. Love always, Karen
Doug Abraham
March 3, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
March 3, 2008
Happy 40th Birthday!!!
Jennifer Nilsen
September 13, 2007
Troy,
Another year gone 6 years without I will always Love you and miss you.I will always pray for your return .
My Love forever ,
Your loving Wife,
Jenn
P Tabbernor
January 16, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
R K
October 12, 2006
Hammer
It has been a long time man. I miss the good old days with you guys. It seems like yesterday we were having a beer at Johns St with the crew after work. I will never forget you guys.
* Hey Jennifer, drop me an email when you can. I would like to heard how you guys are doing?
Chandelle Hart
September 11, 2006
Five years of not hearing him laugh breaks my heart. I want to thank everyone for your kind words. Having him as a big brother was the most wonderful thing. He showed me how to be strong. Coaxed me to leap off the high diving board but was there to rescue me when I belly flopped. He was my brother and I miss him.
Jennifer Nilsen
October 6, 2005
Troy,
We miss you very much.Life is so unfair without you got throught another day without you.I don't know how. I love you please help us.
Jenn
xoxoxo
Jennifer Nilsen
June 19, 2005
Dear Troy,
HAPPY FATHER"S DAY
we love you and will never forget
you.
Love you always,
Jenn,Scott,Ryan
xoxoxo
Jenn
January 26, 2005
Troy,
I miss you very much.Nothing will ever be the same.
Loving you always,
Your Wife Jenn
xoxoxoxo
Rememberance
Sheryl Altvater
September 11, 2004
I am thinking about you today Troy.
I hope your wife and son's are doing well.
I knew your sister from online and think of her from time to time even tho I no longer see her around.
My thought's and prayer's are with your family today during this 3rd anniversary of 9/11.
I would have to say the pictures I am going to add now say it all in rememberance.
Here is a little write up I found about this.
The owner operators are John & Amy Holmgren from Shafer MN. They thought this would be a nice tribute to the people that lost their lives. It has every name of each person that lost their life on 9-11. This concept was thought up by John and Amy, and totally paid for by them. John says he will be awhile paying the loan off that he had to take out to do it but, thought this was the least he could do. Applied Graphics in Fargo ND did most of the work and Paul Kosenski did the Hand painting.
He said that he has gotten pulled over 3 times by the police just to get their picture taken by this truck. The truck is called the Rolling 9-11 Memorial, it has all the names of the people that were killed on that day and the flights they were on plus some other graphics on the side of the Tractor (aka Truck ).
James
September 7, 2004
God bless you Troy.
jennifer nilsen
May 23, 2004
Troy,
Missing and loving you always heart broken forever.
Love always your wife,
Jenn
Jennifer Nilsen
March 11, 2004
Troy,
I love you and miss you so much.
Life is so unfare wityout you. I think of all the great times we had together. Now what does the future hold without you nothing. You will always be with me till the day I die.The boys miss you and Love you.
Keep the boys safe.
My forever Love .Missing you always
Love,Jenn
Ken Shermock
September 11, 2003
Jennifer,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. As the father of two young ones, this tribute touched me deeply. I will hug them a little tighter than usual whe I arrive home this evening. Godspeed.
Ken
MARINA VECCHIO
September 11, 2003
Dear Jennifer,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this day! i pray that God will give you strength and courage every day.I wish i could take your pain away but i know i can't But always know I am glad we became friends and if you ever need anything or just need to talk i'm always here.Just ask!!
Love always and forever your friend
Marina
SCOTT&RYAN NILSEN
March 3, 2003
DEAR DADDY,
WE MISS PLAY FIGHTING AND WRESTLING WITH YOU ON THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR.WE MISS WHEN YOU WOULD ACT LIKE A SCARY MONSTER AND CHASE US AROUND.DADDY WE MISS YOU SO MUCH,OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY
HUGS AND KISSES,
LOVE,SCOTT&RYAN
JENNIFER NILSEN
March 3, 2003
DEAR TROY,
IT'S BEEN NEARLY 18 MONTHS SINCE YOU LEFT FOR WORK.THOUGHT I'D SEE YOU LATER THAT NIGHT,NEVER IMAGINING I WOUNDN'T.HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO SUCH A GREAT MAN?YOU ARE MY WORLD,MY SOULMATE,MY BEST FRIEND,SUCH A WOUNDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER.YOU GAVE US EVERYTHING WE COULD EVER WANT.I MISS YOU AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS COULD SAY.OUR LOVE IS SO STRONG AND WILL NEVER DIE.YOU ARE A PART OF ME AS I AM A PART OF YOU,FOREVER.I PRAY EVERYDAY THAT YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN AND GUILDING AND PROTECTING US.THINKING OF YOU GIVES ME THE STRENGTH TO CONTINUE ON AND TO MAKE THE MANY DECISIONS THAT NEED TO BE MADE.THE PAIN HURTS SO MUCH.IT DOESN'T GET EASIER,EVEN THOUGH THEY TELL ME IT WILL.EVERYONE GOES ON LIVING,BUT I HAVE TO GO ON LIVING WITHOUT YOU AND IT'S KILLING ME.EACH DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT YOU IS AT LEAST ONE DAY CLOSER TO THE DAY WHEN WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY
LOVE FOREVER,
JENNIFER
XOXOXOXOXO
JENNIFER RIVAS
March 1, 2003
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY!! WE THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS!! LOVE YA AND MISS YA, JENN & SOCKO XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Jennifer Nilsen
October 5, 2002
Troy,You are my strenght and special courage that you count on to be there, you have a thoughtful,gentle way that always says "I care." A husband's a "forever friend that special someone who you share your fondest dreams with and love your whole life through.To the finest husbands, the dearest of men, the man I would marry all over again Happy anniversary.I love you Baby foerever happy 5th anniversary.Love you always and forever,your loving wife Jennifer
Christine Carney
September 19, 2002
Jennifer, I don't know if you remember me. We worked together in Pergament, many years ago. I remember when you told me you were getting married. It seems like yesterday. I want you to know that my prayers are with you and your boys. I truly believe that Troy is there with you, and will always be there to help you raise your beautiful sons. God Bless You!
JENNIFER RIVAS
September 12, 2002
DEAR JENNIFER,
YOU AND THE BOYS AND OFCOURSE TROY ARE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. IT HAS BEEN AN EXTREMELY LONG YEAR FOR YOU BUT I KNOW THAT TROY HAS BEEN RIGHT NEXT TO YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. FOR THE SHORT TIME I HAD HIM FOR A BROTHER-IN-LAW I SAW SO MANY QUALITITES IN HIM THAT WE CAN ALL BE THANKFUL TO HAVE HAD HIM IN OUR LIVES FOR HOWEVER LONG IT WAS OR IS. I KNOW HE WILL HELP SCOTT,RYAN AND OFCOURSE YOURSELF LIVE ON IN HIS LEGACY. WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN TROY AND TO NEVER FORGET HIM AND HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. HIS FATHER, WHO I CALL POPPA IS A MAN WHO LOST HIS SON, BUT NOW THROUGH HIS TWO GRANDSONS, THE TWO CLOSEST THINGS TO TROY, HE CAN FIND SOLACE. WE LOVE YOU JENNIFER AND WE WILL LOVE AND MISS TROY ALWAYS AND FOREVER!! LOVE JENN AND SOCKO
Kristi Nielsen-Buhr
September 11, 2002
Troy I did not know you or your family but your last name hit home. So I prayer for your family as if one of my own lost relatives may God be with your family as they pick up the pieces now a year later and to remember you always. God Bless!
August 27, 2002
For more tribute of Troy view www.cantorfamilies.com
August 26, 2002
I met Troy only once when he was a few months old. I knew his mother Diane when we were kids. I always wondered what happened to him, when I read his story in the Times it broke my heart. From everything I have read here I see what a beautiful person he became.
JENNIFER NILSEN
August 7, 2002
TROY,I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND MISS YOU FOREVER.LOVE YOUR WIFE JENNIFER XOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXO
Stuart Taranto
July 18, 2002
The last time I saw Troy was on the Staten Island ferry; it was one of those moments when the boat was full, and everyone was scrambling to find a seat. I saw Troy at a far end, and at first, I considered taking the first seat I saw, and perhaps catch up with Troy some other time. But something told me that day to just go over and say hi. Troy and I spoke for the ride, while I stood up on that crowded boat; and really connected. It didn't seem like much at the time; but had I just sat down and tried to say hi as we departed the boat, we might have missed each other completely. It was about a month before September 11th. It was just one of those decisions that seemed meaningless at the time, but now hold much meaning. Troy, I am so glad we talked. To the Nilsens and the Rivas family, my deepest and sincere condolences, God bless you all.
Mary Mulroy
June 13, 2002
troy,i did not know you, but i know friends of yours,john & kelly.they are sad ,as your family and friends are and as the country is. We will never forget you, and all the souls lost on that sad sad day.. God Bless you, which i know he has.. He will take care of you as well as you dear faimly.. any thing i can do for your wife and children i will do, i will talk of you often with John & Kelly..GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Mary Mulroy
SI, NY..
Patricia Lederer
April 5, 2002
I am a stranger to you but I plan to make a quilt square honoring your husband. A man in Long Beach is heading a memorial quilt which will include a square for each victim. I will send you a picture of the completed square.
March 15, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...TROY EDWARD NILSEN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN..FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
THERESA FRAWLEY - CONKLIN
March 12, 2002
TO JENNIFER,
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE BOYS. I MAY YOUR MOMS COUSIN,TERRY FLANAGAN. I LOST MY 34 YR.OLD SON KEVIN J. FRAWLEY ON THAT AWFUL DAY ALSO.KEVIN WAS MARRIED 1 MONTH TO THE DAY. HE WAS ONE OF MY TRIPLETS. HIS BROTHER MICHAEL DIED AT 4 MONTHS. I KNOW NOW THAT THEY ARE ANGELS IN HEAVEN ALONG WITH TROY.REST IN PEACE, TROY. GOD BLESS JENNIFER AND THE BOYS.
LOVE YOUR COUSIN
TERRY (AUNT WINNIE FLANAGANS DAUGHTER)
Karen Cowhig
February 27, 2002
Jenn,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart bleeds everytime I think about what you are going through right now. Troy was such a wonderful human being, who touched every person's life that he came in contact with. Not many people are as blessed as you are Jenn, not many people get the chance to meet and marry the person who is their soul-mate and to have two wonderful children from that same man. You have so many beautiful memories that you can fall back, so many years of love and laughter to pull you through this time of heartache. I believe that Troy is up there, watching over you, Scott and Ryan and he will always be there for you, because nothing (not even being in heaven) will stop Troy from loving, protecting and guiding his family. I love you Jenn and I will always be here for you, you are always in my prayers. God Bless.
Love,
Karen Cowhig
Marie Molloy
January 15, 2002
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your boys. I could not believe the paper when they listed Troy's name. But the picture convinced me. The face hasn't changed all that much in 23 years. My condolences also to Ralph. I'm sure he misses Troy very much.
Joysong
January 12, 2002
To Troy's family: He has been in my prayers, and now you and yours are also. I know of you through Chan, who has been in my thoughts and prayers since we first heard he was missing. May God's love wrap around you and comfort you.
Kathy Thomas
January 12, 2002
I am so sorry about your loss. I didn't know Troy but I know Chan through the internet. Your family is in my prayers.
Rita Ludyjan
December 29, 2001
So sorry about your loss. Don't know Troy, but do know Chan. Think of you and your family often, and pray that things will get better day by day.
Fran Loud
December 29, 2001
Troy now belongs to all of us to love and to grieve. He is brother, husband, dad, son, best friend to hundreds of thousands. And even as our hearts ache for you, we thank you for sharing Troy with us...it makes us aware of our God, and makes us truly treasure our loved ones..and to reconcile with those we THOUGHT we were angry with. God, who truly understands sufferng,holds great comfort and reward for you.
Sheryl Altvater
December 29, 2001
My heart goes out to you and your family. I first heard of Troy on my weighloss support group New Beginnings. I think about you all often and hope that it gets better day by day knowing that he is in a better place and is looking down on you.
God Bless you all.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
This tragedy is so heartbreaking. We are so deeply sorry for your loss of Troy. May his life and love live on through his children. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Nancy & Craig Thornton
December 12, 2001
To Troy's Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. While the holidays will be difficult, we hope you find comfort in your loving memories of Troy.
Best wishes,
Nancy & Craig Thornton
(Friends and neighbors of Mary Jo & John)
God Bless Troy and His Family
John & Mary Jo Mazza
December 3, 2001
Jenn, We know that you are feeling terrible. Please hang in there. It will take a long time before you feel better, but the experts all agree that some day you will not feel all the pain you do now. We think is has been especially hard on you because you and Troy had such a good marriage and family and were truly in love. Of course we will never forget Troy. Troy is now famous and a hero and he will never be forgotten. You need to be strong for your sons. Troy lives in your sons. His blood and genes are in them. They are so young and it is a crucial time for them. You and Troy were doing such a wonderful job at raising them and you need to continue with that. I know it is very hard, especially with Scott. We will do whatever is needed to help you. You know that. Don't feel like you are bothering us. We love to come and see you and the boys. They are such good boys. When you start to feel better, you can come out and spend some time with us in the country. Troy's spirit will travel with you. You will find peace and tranquility in nature and a connection with God and Troy's spirit. We will be here for you and the boys forever. We love you all.
Sharon Robertson
December 3, 2001
To the Nilsen Family-
I don't know you personally, but I know your brother John. I'm so deeply sorry for your tragic loss. You and your family can take some comfort in knowing that Troy is a hero and martyr at the altar of freedom. God selected him and your family for a very important mission...to be witnesses to the power of love, faith and courage.
You are in my prayers-
Sharon Robertson
Rea Kaschak
December 3, 2001
To the Nilsen family: I have never met Troy but have worked very closely with your brother-in-law. I've heard wonderful things about your husband and father. What a wonderful man he was. It's important to always remember all the good times, these memories are what truly holds him forever close to your hearts. Please accept my deepest sympathies. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
John & Mary Jo Mazza
December 2, 2001
Jenn,
We know that you are feeling terrible. Please hang in there. It will take a long time before you feel better, but the experts all agree that some day you will not feel all the pain you do now. We think is has been especially hard on you because you and Troy had such a good marriage and family and were truly in love. Of course we will never forget Troy. Troy is now famous and a hero and he will never be forgotten. You need to be strong for your sons. Troy lives in your sons. His blood and genes are in them. They are so young and it is a crucial time for them. You and Troy were doing such a wonderful job at raising them and you need to continue with that. I know it is very hard, especially with Scott. We will do whatever is needed to help you. You know that. Don't feel like you are bothering us. We love to come and see you and the boys. They are such good boys. When you start to feel better, you can come out and spend some time with us in the country. Troy's spirit will travel with you. You will find peace and tranquility in nature and a connection with God and Troy's spirit. We will be here for you and the boys forever. We love you all.
Jean Hamann
November 24, 2001
I just wanted to tell the family of this wonderful husband and Father that I feel so bad for them. He sounds like such a great person. Please accept my condolences. I read about him in the NY Times.
Margaret Moser
November 20, 2001
I never met Troy but we have a mutual friend in common who grieves deeply. My deepest sympathies to the wife and children of a man who is not only a hero but an angel. God bless you all.
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