Glenn W. Nilsson

Glenn W. Nilsson, age 69, of Maynard, passed away suddenly on Friday, October 10, 2025. He was the loving husband of Maryann (Power) Nilsson, his high school sweetheart with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on August 23, 1956, Glenn was the son of the late Carl E. and Gloria (Brown) Nilsson. His childhood was spent playing sports, fishing, getting into trouble with his brothers, and visiting the Jersey shore. He was raised and educated in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School, class of 1974. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Springfield College in 1978. Glenn and Maryann married on June 23, 1979, and settled in Maynard to raise their growing family.

After teaching physical education in Maynard, Glenn pivoted careers and began what became a long and successful tenure in the technology sector. He worked his way from a security guard at Digital Equipment Corporation to roles in global supply chain security management at Hewlett Packard and later at Mylan Pharmaceuticals, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. Recently, he found fulfillment working for CASE Collaborative, where he enjoyed spending his mornings and afternoons driving young students in his local communities.

Family was the center of Glenn’s life. He was a devoted father, coaching many of his kids' sports teams and attending all of their events, from musicals to marching band performances. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, always the storyteller at any gathering. He especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren, proudly cheering them on in all their adventures and always making room on his lap for hugs or stories. Glenn had a lifelong passion for fishing, with many memorable trips to Lake Boon, Lost Lake, and the Assabet River. He was an avid New England sports fan, a devoted Bruce Springsteen listener, and a longtime NASCAR and motorsports enthusiast. He loved attending concerts and live sporting events with family and friends. In retirement, Glenn also discovered a quiet joy in gardening, nurturing the same patience and care he showed to those he loved.

Throughout his life, Glenn was always surrounded by friends. From his early days in junior high to the years following his retirement, he built lasting connections with people from all walks of life. What made Glenn truly special was that he didn’t just have friends — he made people feel like they mattered. Whether you were three years old or ninety-three — he had time for you. He listened with genuine interest, spoke with kindness, and made each person feel important. His warmth was effortless, his presence comforting, and his heart always open. A hug from Glenn was always a welcomed gift.

Glenn is survived by his beloved wife, Maryann Nilsson of Maynard, MA; his devoted children, Michael Nilsson and wife Christyne Kane of Groton, MA; Tiffany Nilsson and husband Matthew Nankin of Wallingford, CT; Carl and wife Mindy Nilsson of Hudson, MA; his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt, Declan, Everett, Maddie, Siobhan, Reese, Saoirse and Meadow; and his siblings, Paul Nilsson of Maynard, MA; David and wife Kathy Nilsson of Beach Haven West, NJ; Linda Nilsson of Maynard, MA. He also leaves behind a close-knit circle of friends.

A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held at the Maynard Golf Course Function Hall, 50 Brown St., Maynard, MA 01754 on October 26, 2025, from 12:30 - 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to support the Concord Special Olympics by sending a check to Concord Area Special Education Collaborative at 120 Meriam Road, Concord, MA 01742.