Joseph Bjarne Nilsen

Joseph Bjarne Nilsen, 66, beloved husband of Susan (Allan) Nilsen of Granby, died Tuesday, (October 15, 2002) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Lakeville, son of the late Bjarne and Gertrude (Deneen) Nilsen, he lived in Granby for 26 years. He was a 1954 graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Falls Village, where he was a member of the only undefeated football team in the schools history. He also attended the University of Connecticut. Joseph was employed by the former Burroughs Corporation, and in 1980 he and his wife Susan formed Nilsen Associates, retiring in 1998. In retirement he was Administrator for the Granby and East Granby Chambers of Commerce. He was a member of the Granby Chamber of Commerce, Granby Men's League, the Granby Senior Men's Breakfast Club, the Oak Ridge Golf Club and served on several town committee. Besides his loving wife of 22 years, he is survived by three daughters, Suzanne Kirschner and her husband, Rob of Torrington, Lynn Richmond and her husband, Bill of New Hartford, and Lori Rumley and her husband, John of Wethersfield; five grandchildren, Vincent Chaigne and David Kirschner, both of Torrington, Jessica Richmond of New Hartford, Jane Rumley and John Rumley, Jr., both of Wethersfield; a brother, Peter Nilsen and his wife, Susan of Essex; a sister, Ruth Keeler and her husband, George of Pine Plains, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Rita Coates of Philmont, NY. Memorial calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2-5 p.m. at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. Memorial service will be Monday, October 21, 10 a.m. in the West Granby United Methodist Church, 87 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Granby Ambulance Association, P.0. Box 617, Granby, CT 06035-0617.