Howard Clifford Nielsen

The eldest child born to Howard Henry Nielsen and Margaret Calista Nielsen in Edison, New Jersey. Howard grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, a time that shaped his life and love for his country. He attended Perth Amboy High School and graduated in 1951. Howard enlisted in the United States Navy in October of 1951 and held the military occupation of Radioman. He was assigned to aviation squadron VP-45 on the Martin P5M Marlin flying boat, an antisubmarine maritime patrol aircraft. He served with the squadron until he was Honorably Discharged in October of 1955. Howard’s civilian career saw him holding several jobs until he secured a position with Public Service Electric and Gas, PSE&G. He worked in the Performance Division of a generating station going from entry level apprentice and rising to the position of Supervisor. He started with the company in Linden, NJ, then transferred to the newest coal fired generating station in Trenton, NJ. He was among the first group of employees at the plant and worked there from 1960-1992 when he retired.

Howard met Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neill after he finished his military service. They were married on September 7, 1957 and stayed together until Betty’s death in 2009. They had three children together Glen, Maureen “Mo” and MaryBeth “MB”.

Howard is survived by his son Glen, his wife Tracy and their three children Vincent, Dana and Jenna and great grandchild Brighton Rada; daughter Mo Borghard, her husband Max and son Sam; daughter MaryBeth Vanchoff, her husband Curtis and children Douglas, Delanie and Devin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Margaret Nielsen, brother Douglas Nielsen and wife Betty Nielsen.

In the course of his life, Howard was a very active member of the Hamilton Square community volunteering time with the Civitans, Special Olympics and St Mark Methodist Church. At St Mark, Howard served on the church board of directors and rose to the position of president. He oversaw numerous projects that improved and modernized the church.

Howard passed on July 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a great, generous and loving man, a great father, husband and brother. He was loved and treasured by family, friends and every dog that had the honor of meeting him. He will be deeply missed.