Judith Nilon

Judith Nilon, 68, of Philadelphia, an attorney, businesswoman, and beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday, April 9th, of heart failure at home. Judy was born and raised in Ridley Park, PA with her five siblings by their parents Mary and Robert (Bob) Nilon. A graduate of the School of the Holy Child, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and Villanova Law School, Judy was a brilliant legal mind, writer, and entrepreneur. After graduating from law school, Judy joined Philadelphia's second largest law firm, Pepper, Hamilton, and Scheetz, as an Associate. When her father became ill, she left her flourishing legal career to take over the family business, Nilon Sports Concessions, Inc., which was started in 1945 by her father and his brothers, Jim and Jack. As its President, Judy took it as her mission to bring back the glory of the family sports and special events concessions business. And she did. Through her personality and extraordinary work ethic, she negotiated multi-year contracts for major PGA tournaments, the US Open, the Pocono Raceway, and the Mann Music Center, among others. She employed thousands of people, giving opportunities to those from all walks of life. First, second, and third generation Nilon family members worked at golf tournaments under her leadership. Later, Judy shifted her focus to more local ventures. She became a partner of Fairmount Management, for which she won the concession contract in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia and breathed creativity and life into the park experience. Following her sale of that business, she returned to the law as an administrative law clerk for both the Commonwealth and Superior Courts of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Judy was a phenomenal amateur golfer and super athlete across any sport that she picked up. She had been the women's club champion at three different golf clubs in the Philadelphia region, and never passed up the chance to practice improving her game, compete in team matches, or play with her regular group on Tuesdays at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. To those who knew her, Judy was a beacon. To her friends, she was a confidant who provided unconditional support. To her family, she was the selfless glue that kept everyone together. She warmed every room with her wry wit and sensitivity and made everyone feel more secure and grounded through her calm and practical sensibility. She loved to celebrate, and as a talented cook and hostess, made sure that every occasion was fun and filled with joy. Judy was renowned for the brilliant and hilarious poems she wrote for each family member to mark a birthday or milestone. They will be treasured by her family forever. The loss of Judy is too huge to comprehend, but the deep love that she leaves is everlasting. The most important things in Judy's life were her family and her faith. She was a faithful member of Old St. Mary's Church and cherished a loving devotion to the Blessed Mother. Judy's adoring daughter, Julia, was the greatest pride and joy of her life. Julia's recent marriage to Alex Rodriguez brought Judy incomparable happiness. She held incredible bonds with her three sisters, Hannah Harberg (Allen), Robin Nilon (Paul Diamond), and Kathy Atencio (Joe) who will cherish her memory forever. For 28 happy years, Judy was married to the Hon. Judge James Colins, former President Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and current Senior Judge on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Most recently, Judy and Jim enjoyed winters in Florida as snowbirds, enjoying each other's company and plenty of golf. Their marriage brought Judy her three cherished stepchildren, Sarah Colins (Stefan Mend), Alex Colins, and Leah Colins (Esteban Pena). Judy also had two brothers, Terence Nilon and Thomas Nilon (deceased) and her nieces and nephews in whom she took such delight: Allen Harberg (Kristen), Amanda Harberg (Micah Fink), Audrey Atencio, August Atencio, Lucas Fink, and Sydney Fink. On Friday, April 14th, a visitation will be held from 9:30 ' 10:30 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m. at Old Saint Mary's Church, 252 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia, followed by a reception. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to the Mission of St. Joan of Arc, 2025 East Atlantic Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134. www.whiteluttrell.com