Charles M. Nielsen Jr.

Charles “Charlie”  M. Nielsen Jr, 77, passed away Sunday, December 16th at Baystate Medical Center.  Charlie was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 21, 1941. He was a life long resident to West Springfield and was a graduate from the West Springfield High School, Class of 1959.  Charlie took over the family business of City Towing from his parents. He later started the Pioneer All Stars Hockey Team, was the owner of the Springfield Junior Pics and later founded the Pioneer All Stars.  Charlie also formed the Metropolitan Boston Junior Hockey League and was the league president.  Charlie was predeceased by his mother Alice Andersen and his step father Carl Andersen, his childhood best friend Dick Fullam, and George Rettew.  Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Karlene (Wood) Nielsen, his children Leslie Nielsen, Erik Nielsen, and Kay Nielsen all of West Springfield.  He was the cherished G’Pa to Anthony Furnari, Chad Nielsen, Craig Nielsen, Linzi Furnari, Elana Nielsen and great grandfather to Dominic Furnari and Emilia Furnari.  He will be dearly missed by his good friends Peter Smith and his wife Cheryl, Fred Waterhouse and Richard Salsman and to all who knew him. Calling hours for Charlie will be Saturday, January 5th from 2:00PM-4:00PM at WESTFIELD FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION, 4 Princeton Street in Westfield with a Celebration of Life beginning at 4:00PM.  Burial will be private for the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104.  Please visit www.westfieldfuneralhome.com for Charlie’s memorial page.  

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