Donald E. Nielsen

Donald E. Nielsen 1934-2013 SPRINGFIELD- Donald E. Nielsen, 78, of Chicopee, passed away Monday, January 21, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center.  Born in Oxford, MA on January 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Harold E. and Irene E. (Fountain) Nielsen. He worked as an auto parts driver at Perry's Auto Parts for 17 years, retiring in 2011. Donald was a veteran of the Korean War obtaining the rank of Private 1st Class for the U.S. Army. He leaves his loving wife of 26 years, Carol A. Nielsen, a son Gary Nielsen and his wife Pamela of East Windsor, CT; a daughter Brenda Drinkwater and her husband Alfred of Enfield, CT; two stepsons Kevin  Bryant of Chicopee and Michael Bryant of Norfolk; 10 grandchildren Jennifer, Kyle, Jackie, Jillian, Alfred, Justin, Shaylyn, Arielle, Mike Jr., and Ethan; and 3 great-grandchildren Alyssa Rea, Marleigh Jane, and Eliana Victoria, with whom he enjoyed spending time with very much. Donald was predeceased by his brother Richard and his sister Nancy Trotta. A funeral home service will be held on Friday, January 25th in Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard at 12pm. Burial in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 24th from 4-7pm. Donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For further information please visit Ratellfuneralhome.com. Ratell Funeral Home 413-543-3836