The Rev.John R. Neilson,Rector Emeritus
All Saints Episcopal Church
The Reverand. John R. Neilson, Rector Emeritus of All Saints Episcopal Church, 89, was peacefully called home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.
The Visitation will be on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at the Rossi Funeral Home, Scotch Plains, from 2-4 & 7-9. On Friday, May 13, 2022 the Burial Office and Liturgy in Celebration for the late Rev. John R. Neilson will be offered at 11am at All Saints Episcopal Church, Scotch Plains.
*** MASKS are requested to be worn for all services ***
Flowers will be accepted at the funeral home and contributions may also be made to All Saints Episcopal Church in Scotch Plains.
Fr. Neilson graduated from Westfield High School in 1950, where he excelled in athletics, mainly in football. He graduated from Lycoming College in 1957. He attended Philadelphia Divinity School, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1958. He was ordained a Priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, October 28, 1961. He served as Curate, Grace Episcopal Church, Merchantville, NJ from 1961-1962. He was then Vicar of St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, Cherry Hill, NJ from 1962-1969. Fr. Neilson then became Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, Scotch Plains, NJ from 1969-1997.
Fr. Neilson was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps., from 1951-1954, seeing active duty during the Korean War Conflict. Fr. Neilson was a member of the Loantika Skeet Club, Morristown, NJ, and won many first place trophies in competitions.
Bob was a circus clown. President of the Scotch Plains & Fanwood Kiwanis Club, member of the Advisory Board of the A.L.S. Foundation, President of the Scotch Plains Ministerium Foundation, Chairmen of the Church Pension Fund of the Diocese of New Jersey, and a member of the Trial Court of the Diocese of New Jersey. Fr. Neilson was a member of the Newport Rhode Island Preservation Society, a member of the Hyannis Yacht Club, and the Mattapoisett Yacht Club. Fr. Neilson was an OBLATE, Order of St. Benedict Portsmith, Rhode Island, and a PRELATE of the Order of the Noble Companion of the Swans. Fr. Neilson was a Trustee of the Senior Citizen Complex, a Tiny Tim Board member, and a member of the Guild of All Souls.
He was loved and completely adored by every member of his family.
Fr. Neilson is survived by his wife of 59 yrs.Sandy; his son Tim (Maggie); his grandchildren Jack and Reagan; his sister Anne S. Neilson; his nieces Anne and Elizabeth; his nephew Steven (Pam); his great nephews Douglas, Benjamin, 2nd Lt. Jake; his great niece Grace; his loving medical aide Marcia E. Banks; and his faithful dog Buck.
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