Commander Jeffrey Stephen Nilsson, USN (Ret.), of Suffolk, Virginia passed away peacefully on April 3, 2023. He was 84 years old.  Jeff was preceded in death by his wife Susan who passed away in 2021.

Jeff was born on February 22, 1939, in Mineola, New York, to George and Ruth Nilsson.  He, who possibly to the surprise of a few, was a bit of a rebel.  He left St. Paul's High School on Long Island, New York to enlist in the U.S. Navy where his adventures took off.  Dad leaves behind the most enviable collection of sunset slides and photos from across the Atlantic and Mediterranean you have ever seen.

Jeff and his beloved wife Susan met in 1964 in New York City while he was working there for a paper company after leaving active duty for the reserves.  Following a raucous evening, Dad was smitten; the two happily married in 1966 and remained together for over 54 years.

After they married, Jeff completed his B.A. in 1972, graduating from Rutgers University's night school program and launched his vocation as a banker, a career that spanned over 40 years from New York City to Miami, Florida.  Concurrently, he commissioned in the U.S. Navy Reserves and continued his reserve career as a Naval Intelligence Officer.  Justifiably proud of his Navy career, he served from 1957 to 1999 when he retired as a Commander; over 40 years of service to his community and country.

Jeff and Susan retired to Carrollton, Virginia, to the house they loved on the James River.  Jeff continued to serve in the community as an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Smithfield, Virginia, the Rotary Club, and as the Executive Director, Historic Naval Ships Association.  Jeff and Susan were active members of the Larchmont United Methodist Church and was affectionately known as The Mayor of Larchmont.  When they moved to the Lake Prince Woods community, he was the Mayor there too – he was known and loved by all those with whom he interacted.

He is survived by his children Erik (and Alison) Nilsson of Chesapeake, Virginia; Christian Nilsson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and his beloved grandchildren Jacob and Chase Nilsson.

The Nilsson family would like to extend a special thank you to the gentle and dedicated staff of the Norfolk Sentara Heart Hospital and Vascular teams, the Lake Prince Woods family, and the Skilled Nursing Team at Lake Prince Woods.  Their compassionate friendship and care of Jeff and his family was sincerely appreciated.

A memorial service at the Larchmont United Methodist Church in Norfolk, VA will occur on April 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM, and a portion of his remains will be committed to the deep by the U.S. Navy.

The family suggests memorial donations in lieu of flowers to the Historic Naval Ships Association at https://www.hnsa.org/donate/ .