Roy P. Nilson

PETERSHAM- Roy Paul Nilson of Petersham, Massachusetts, aged 77, died peacefully at his son's home on Father's Day, June 16, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. 

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and many loving friends.

Roy had a long and rich career, during the first 30 years of which he served as a journalist, editor and systems analyst for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. In 1975, he received the annual Master Reporter award from the New England Society of Newspaper Editors. Later, while working as a publicist for Polaroid, he traveled widely and was particularly happy to visit ‘all three Petershams in the world’ including his hometown, of course, and those in England and Australia. His most recent labor of love was stewarding the non-profit Friday Market in Petersham, Massachusetts, which he curated over nine seasons to share produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, natural fertilizer, music, and most importantly, community and sunshine. He was very glad to know the market will continue inspiring the local scene now that he is gone.

Always up for a new adventure, Roy taught himself to build websites and then created and hosted petershamcommon.com for decades. He took up skydiving in the 1990s and accomplished nearly 200 jumps, mostly at JumpTown in Orange, but many in Pepperell as well, and one during a trip to visit his daughter who was then living near Shreveport, Louisiana. In recent months while being cared for by his devoted son, Roy expressed his sadness to leave us all behind, but also his open heart, either to the next adventure or a peaceful conclusion. A self-described secular humanist, he always attended town meetings and was a constant advocate for the welfare of ordinary people. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.

On Friday, July 12 at 1:30pm, you are invited to join us at the Davis Memorial Hall, 3 West Street, in Petersham,  for a potluck gathering and celebration of Roy Paul Nilson's life and work.

In lieu of flowers, donations in support of the Friday Market can be mailed to P.O. Box 124, Petersham, MA 01366.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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