John Nielsen Memorial Fund
Donation protected
If there was ever a person who lived life to the fullest--really lived--it would be our Uncle John (John to many of you). He was a passionate man with many loves, his friends and family, hiking in Griffith Park, traveling, Brooklyn, wine, the Yankees, coffee, good food, theatre, helping others in any way, politics, and of course, a good debate. John was a loved man with a heart of gold. He had this gift to make those he knew, and even just met, feel loved where every moment with him was like an adventure. Checking in at his favorite coffee shop in Silver lake, wine tasting, or spending the night cooking up a meal fit for royalty. Nothing with John was ever mediocre. He poured his heart and soul into all he did.
Of the many loves he had, two stood out-- his love for theatre and Café Rits. John began his career in acting when he was challenged by the director of a play to "do a better job" than the actor. From this a love for theater and acting began. But it wasn't just in acting his heart lied, in fact, he took a break . He used that time to travel to Greece where he volunteered at Café Rits located in the Ritsona Refugee Camp with the help and contributions of many of you.
John spent many weeks on more than one occasion volunteering at Café Rits. He, along with others, dedicated their time to prepare, cook, and deliver nutritious meals to the 2,800+ refugees in Greece. Helping with the food and working around the camp painting and fixing things wasn't enough though. John insisted on getting to know the refugees as individuals. He asked questions about their family and told stories of his, he wanted to learn more about their culture, and the things they liked. He knew them by name and became as much apart of their life, as they did his. When COVID hit, John was disappointed he couldn't make it back but still kept in touch regularly. He planned that when this was all over, Greece and Cafe Rits was where he was heading.
Sadly and devastatingly, John passed after a bad accident and suffered a fatal injury. We are shocked. We are saddened. There are no words that can express the hole in our hearts. John was a man who was loved around the world from Brooklyn to Seattle to California; from Canada to Ireland to Greece. Our heart mourns with you too for your loss. So while we try to make sense of something so unfair, let's do what John would want, let's help others and give to those in need.
Our goal is to raise money for fresh food and supplies needed for cooking, as well as basic hygiene supplies, such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, games and educational materials for the families and individuals at Café Rits.
In honor of John's passion for the stage, we would additionally love to offer a scholarship for a deserving youth enrolling in a theatre program.
We humbly ask in honor of our Uncle , brother, and friend, that you contribute to these worthy causes and honor John by enjoying a good cup of coffee with an old friend, taking a walk in your favorite park, sharing stories that make you vulnerable, tune in to some great music while preparing a meal, watch a good film, engage in a good debate or silly banter with those you respect, explore your family history, and contribute to a social cause that makes a difference.
With love and gratitude,
The Nielsen Family
His Nieces and Nephews
His Sister and Brothers
Of the many loves he had, two stood out-- his love for theatre and Café Rits. John began his career in acting when he was challenged by the director of a play to "do a better job" than the actor. From this a love for theater and acting began. But it wasn't just in acting his heart lied, in fact, he took a break . He used that time to travel to Greece where he volunteered at Café Rits located in the Ritsona Refugee Camp with the help and contributions of many of you.
John spent many weeks on more than one occasion volunteering at Café Rits. He, along with others, dedicated their time to prepare, cook, and deliver nutritious meals to the 2,800+ refugees in Greece. Helping with the food and working around the camp painting and fixing things wasn't enough though. John insisted on getting to know the refugees as individuals. He asked questions about their family and told stories of his, he wanted to learn more about their culture, and the things they liked. He knew them by name and became as much apart of their life, as they did his. When COVID hit, John was disappointed he couldn't make it back but still kept in touch regularly. He planned that when this was all over, Greece and Cafe Rits was where he was heading.
Sadly and devastatingly, John passed after a bad accident and suffered a fatal injury. We are shocked. We are saddened. There are no words that can express the hole in our hearts. John was a man who was loved around the world from Brooklyn to Seattle to California; from Canada to Ireland to Greece. Our heart mourns with you too for your loss. So while we try to make sense of something so unfair, let's do what John would want, let's help others and give to those in need.
Our goal is to raise money for fresh food and supplies needed for cooking, as well as basic hygiene supplies, such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, games and educational materials for the families and individuals at Café Rits.
In honor of John's passion for the stage, we would additionally love to offer a scholarship for a deserving youth enrolling in a theatre program.
We humbly ask in honor of our Uncle , brother, and friend, that you contribute to these worthy causes and honor John by enjoying a good cup of coffee with an old friend, taking a walk in your favorite park, sharing stories that make you vulnerable, tune in to some great music while preparing a meal, watch a good film, engage in a good debate or silly banter with those you respect, explore your family history, and contribute to a social cause that makes a difference.
With love and gratitude,
The Nielsen Family
His Nieces and Nephews
His Sister and Brothers
Organizer
Kimberly Nielsen
Organizer
Toms River Township, NJ