John Nielsen of Hurleyville, New York, a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Tri-Valley Central School Class of 1961, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2026, in Alexandria Bay, New York. He was 83 years old.

Born on March 17, 1943, in Kingston, New York, John was the son of Charles A. Nielsen and Syrinne Nielsen.

John proudly served his county in the United States Army from 1964 to 1968 as a Chief Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot. During his military service, he earned numerous honors and commendations, including the Army Aviator Badge, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9th Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. While serving with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Squadron, A Troop, John received the Distinguished Flying Cross in September 1966 for his service in Vietnam. He completed his military tour flying along the East-West German border in Fulda, Germany.

Following his military service, John worked as an electrician with the IBEW for 30 years before retiring in 2005. He was an acolyte and member of St. Paul's Lutheran church in Liberty, New York.

John loved staying busy and working outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and using his smokehouse to prepare cheese and anything else he could fit inside. He especially loved opening camp and fishing in Alexandria Bay, and he was also an avid hunter.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene; his son, Erik (Shelley) Nielsen of California; his daughter Tracy (Joseph) Bagley of Hurleyville; his grandchildren, Devon and Brett Bagley of Hurleyville, Ian Nielsen, and Jillian N. (Andrew) Villigan of California; and his two great-grandchildren, Leo and Talia Villigan.

Above all else John loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

John was predeceased by his daughter, Kristen Nielsen, in 2016. She will be interred alongside her father.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home. For further information, please call (845) 434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.