Richard Allison Neilson, Jr.

Rick Neilson, 77, passed away on March 13, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Mr. Neilson was born in New York, New York and moved to Port St. Lucie in 1977 coming from Barre, Vermont.

Prior to retirement, he was on the ski patrol in Stowe, Vermont and was able to ski with Olympians. Sailing was his passion and received a rescue at sea award from the U.S. Coast Guard. He taught offshore sailing and navigation and would take out Navy Seals, of which he loved doing. He worked for the Chapman School, Bluewater Yachts. He was also a residential contractor/builder, building over 50 homes in Port St. Lucie. He loved barber shop quartet singing and was in the Johnson State College Men’s Ensemble.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Patricia Neilson of Port St. Lucie, FL; sons, John (Christina) Neilson of Fort Pierce, FL and Matthew (Trina) Neilson of Vero Beach, FL; daughter, Kimberly Neilson of Port St. Lucie, FL; brother, Douglas Neilson of New York; sister, Susan Furlong of Johnstown, NY; grandchildren, Hayley Lindstadt and Maddison Neilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Jessie Neilson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. www.TCHospice.org

Services: Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 5-6 PM with a service to follow at 6:00 PM at the Haisley Funeral Home Tribute Center, Port Saint Lucie.