Hemlock: At age 81, Peter passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his home in Hemlock. He was born in Staten Island, NY to the late Edward and Gwendolyn Nilsson. Peter is predeceased by his son; Christos Nilsson and his sister; Bonnie Donnelly. Survived by his beloved wife of 60 years; Joni Nilsson, his siblings; Carolyn Nilsson, Joseph (Marrial) Nilsson, Mark (Pam) Nilsson, his 19 children, his 35 grandchildren and great grandchildren beyond measure.
Peter and Joni also opened their home to hundreds of foster children over their 45-year career as foster parents. Peter was truly a Renaissance Man. He loved to garden, practice photography and carpentry, teach and discuss politics, travel, and write beautiful memoirs. He also reveled in sharing his life experiences with his grandchildren, telling stories and passing on his wisdom.
Peter maintained several positions servicing communities that he loved. He chaired the UCC Board of Homeland Ministries, the ARC Board of Directors, and the Town of Livonia Zoning Board. He has remained active with Honeoye UCC.
Throughout his life, Peter has been able to grab joy in every moment. His rumbling laugh would often shake the dinner table as he sat surrounded by his family, telling one dreadful pun after another. Our eye-rolls where his reward.
When not otherwise engaged, Peter attended every possible soccer game in which his children and grandchildren played. Eventually he learned to be nice to the refs. Peter also managed to stay to the magical end of the “Great Comeback” of the 1992 season. Go Bills!
Peter’s Memorial Service will take place at 4PM on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Honeoye United Church of Christ, 8758 Main Street in Honeoye, NY. Friends and family are invited for food and fellowship immediately following services at Honeoye UCC. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Honeoye United Church of Christ, 8758 Main Street, Honeoye, NY 14471.
We were sad to hear of Peter’s passing and sorry to have not contacted you and Peter earlier. Joni, if you get this message please call me at (207) 432-4029. I tried to call you but your phone number had changed. Ann and George Dugovic
Such a dear person. Joni, I am thinking of you and your family often in these new days.
I LOVE & MISS YOU DAD! I’M SO THANKFUL TO GOD, HE PUT ME IN YOU & MOM’S LIFE! THANK YOU FOR BEING THE EXAMPLE OF WHAT A GOOD FATHER, WAS & IS SUPPOSED TO BE! I WAS SO HONORED THAT YOU & MOM GAVE ME AWAY, AND YOU WALKED ME DOWN THE AISLE @ MY 2010 WEDDING, THAT MEANT SO VERY MUCH TO ME! I APPRECIATED ALL THE TIMES WE DID THINGS TOGETHER & OF COURSE FOR YOUR AWESOME ONION SOUP…. I DIDN’T EVEN LIKE ONIONS UNTIL TASTING YOUR AMAZING SOUP!! THANK YOU & MOM FOR CHOOSING ME & ADOPTING ME INTO THE FAMILY!! I TRULY MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD!
I am not surprised that your husband was such an accomplished man, for you are such a woman. I know you will miss him sorely and hope you will be comforted by the love of family and friends.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I love you
It has been my honor to work with Peter over many of his 45 years as an foster parent. The love, patience and commitment that he offered to countless children during their darkest time has been inspiring!
I will forever miss Peter’s stories, humor and calm perspective no matter how stressful a situation could be. Peter’s (&Joni’s) commitment to our community, it’s animals, it’s hungry, it’s cold, it’s politics, it’s lost,….. Unmatched!!
— All while maintaining a beautiful loving marriage for 60 years to Joni , who he still looked at each day with such love and admiration.
I pray that this amazing life brings comfort to Joni and their beautiful family as they navigate their new normal Sending love to all of you
Pete was a solid example of how to live life. He gave his all to anyone who needed a hand, or just an ear to talk to. He will be truly missed. My condolences to all his family.
Dear Joni,
I was first taken aback seeing Peter’s photo in the Dougherty notice as it does not
seem this many years have passed since you fell in love and married as Miss Joni
Marsland, which is where MY memories fall. You and Peter just seemed to fit, and
60 years tells that. I hope you find your balance without your partner, and that the
lovely family you created will see you through. May God continue to be your light.
With very fond memories from the Lakeville Congregational Church and of the
Marsland family,
My heart is heavy and my prayers are long for you Joni and the entire Nilsson family.
Between my tears I can’t stop and think about Peter‘s heart and how many children he impacted. His love was visible to all. Tony sends his love, hugs, and prayers. It’s hard to imagine how many people are grieving right now. I will continue to pray.
I know when God saw Peter when He brought him home said Well done my son Well done!
My heartfelt condolences to you and the family in the loss of your loved one
Our heart felt condolences to you Joni and the Nilsson family on the passing of Peter. We only had the pleasure of meeting you Joni and Peter one time at Daniel and our daughter LeAnn’s wedding. Thank you and Peter for opening your home and hearts to raise such a caring loving son as Daniel and his siblings. Praying for your whole family.
Richard & Carol Starlin
Joni and family….. Please accept my sincere sympathy with the loss of Peter. I remember all the good times at our meetings and outings at the Livingston County building as a fellow Foster Parent and Volunteer with DSS. I treasured your support after my divorce and especially at our outing on the Keuka Maid and SUNY Geneseo annual get together many moons ago. Prayers sent for a peaceful transition. Love and HUGS!!!
I am so sorry; I remember what a kind, generous and funny man he was. He showed me how to gather eggs and ride a sow; I loved the time spent as a child at your house. My heart goes out to all of you.
I will miss my oldest brother Peter dearly. His quick wit, puns and devilish smerc.I cherish the time going up to stay with he and his family in the summer. I will never forget the life lessons he taught me. Love you Peter.
Respect and honor to a great man and his family.
The Hudson Hauge family.
I am so sorry to the family for the loss of this special man. The community also grieves the loss of a an epic human being. He was one in a million. Such a loss for everyone. So honored to have met him.
Our sincere thoughts and loving prayers to this beahtful family!
Dear Joni and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I remembrer the two of you at church picnics and services in Lakeville. You are all in my heart and thoughts during this difficult time.
May he RiP.
Hugs,
Judy Long
Joni and Family,
We were shocked to hear of Peter’s passing. He was a very gentle and kind man. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed. Our sincere sympathy to all of you.
Our sincere condolences to his entire family.
May he Rest In Peace .
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all! I am so sorry for your loss!
Joni and family, please accept our sincere condolences. Keeping you all in thought and prayer.
Joni i am saddened to hear of your loss. Peter was a very special man with traits we should all value. I have never known a better example of a husband, father, friend and professional.
He will be truly missed, my sincere condolences to you.
Kevin Masterson
Prayers sent to family and friends. Peter will be missed by so many people. God bless you all.
Dear Joni and family …we are saddened to learn of Peter’s passing . We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dave and Mary Jo Dussault
So sorry for Joni and the family’s loss. I always enjoyed Pete’s laughter and jokes when he came to ANNIES Ark to pick up the twins. He lived life in the most robust manner and will be missed by many . Let the memories wrap their arms around you
Peter was a wonderful person and a gift and blessing to all who knew him.
My sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Joni and all of Peter’s family
Love in Christ,
Mary J. Watson
So sad to hear of Peter’s passing. He was an incredible man who helped make the world a better place. The entire community will miss his gifts
KATHY Wesley
Very sorry to hear about Pete’s passing.