David “Reds” F. Nilan
October 22, 1944 - July 13, 2023 Kennett Square, PA | Age 78 Loving Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend.David “Reds” F. Nilan, Age 78, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Pocopson Home. He was the husband of Nancy Mackie Nilan who passed away in 2001, and with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, PA, he was the son of the late James Nilan and the late Miriam Broomhall Nilan.
Reds was a groundskeeper at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA for over 35 years, retiring in 1997. After retiring from Longwood Gardens, he worked at the Chester County Courthouse in the Sheriff’s office for 10 years.
He volunteered to help clean St. Patrick’s Church and he also helped with Christmas baskets for the needy.
He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Reds was a good listener and he enjoyed gardening, watching TV, playing with his dog and cat, going out to eat and being with his family and friends. He was an umpire for many years for the KAU Little League and he also coached for various sports. He enjoyed playing basketball with his nephews.
He is survived by two daughters, Megan M. Nilan of Kennett Square, PA and Tanna A. Nilan of Newport, DE, and three grandchildren, David Troy Nilan, Megan Zavala and Franklin Thompson.
He was predeceased by one sister, Patricia Konitzer and two brothers, James Nilan and Thomas Nilan.
You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening, July 19, 2023 and again from 10:00 to 11:00 on Thursday morning, July 20, 2023 at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove, 200 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12: 00 at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA. Burial will be St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square, PA.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Kennett Area Community Service, 136 W. Cedar Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA
Memorial Donations
Kennett Area Community Service
Services
Viewing
July 19, 2023 6:00-8:00 Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove200 Rose Hill Road
West Grove, PA
Viewing
July 20, 2023 10:00-11:00 Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove200 Rose Hill Road
West Grove, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
July 20, 2023 12:00 St. Patrick Church212 Meredith Street
Kennett Square, PA
Burial
July 20, 2023 St. Patrick's CemeteryRoute 82
Kennett Square, PA.
Guestbook
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dave r i p good friend richard saverioni
Megan and Tanna so sorry to hear of your father passing. You will be in my prayers
Dave Nilan loyal friend. More then just my neighbor. A loving, kind, forever friend. Always ready to help in any way he could. Good listener a shoulder to cry on always puts a smile on your face but truly in your heart. Lived his life walking in the love of God and sharing that love sincerely with all who knew him. God’s Angel returned home.
“Reds” is remembered from high school days as a great basketball player and a kind soul with a genuinely good heart and sincere smile. My sympathy to his family.
Judy Lowstuter
Love you guys, prayers from us.
Sorry for your loss
Reds was one heck of a guy! He was an umpire in KAU Little League when I was managing a team. He had a unique way of calling balls and strikes and the kids would try to emulate him! He loved the kids. His daughter was on one of my teams so he helped out during practices. I’m sure he will be missed by many.
I knew Dave during his years at the Courthouse. He was always helpful and friendly.
Nathan Schenker
So very sorry to hear of “Reds” passing. I always remember him playing in the basketball games and he always spoke and had time to talk whenever he would see you. I know he’s no longer in pain and with Nancy. May he Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Margaret Pennington
I can still see that wonderful smile to this day, way back to high school! Reds was a kind person and I send my sympathy to his family and friends.
So sorry for the loss of your dad. Such a wonderful guy. Had many a good time with him and your mom.
Reds and I were classmates at Kennett grade and HS. We played a lot of sports together and due to his size he was a feared and respected competitor. But in reality Reds was a gentle giant who got along with everybody and was a good friend to everyone he met. He surely will be missed by friends and family.
Dick (Punky) Miller, President, Class of 63
I remember Reds as a kind, tall classmate who was open and welcoming. Mr. Kendrick ??? recruited us both for basketball and Reds answered the call !
So sorry that our KHS Class of 63 has lost our classmate Reds. I can still see him on the basketball court fighting for the ball. He always had a smile on his face.
Dave always supported our reunions and classmate dinners. We will miss him!
Sincere sympathy to Megan, Tanna, David, Megan, and Franklin.
Sorry for your loss. May God bless this family at this time.
Curtis from Juniper Hill Apt.
I will always remember the good times we had playing cards on Saturday nights with Nancy & Dave. The men would almost always win. My thoughts and prayers go with Megan & Tanna, because he was a great father and grandfather and a true friend.
You friend always.
Arlene
Reds was loved by anyone who ever had the good fortune to meet him.
The class of “63” was so much better with his presence. I had tremendous pride in knowing him,
playing every sport with him and being a close friend and neighbor on South Broad Street. I know he
not in pain anymore. Rest in peace brother!!
Joe Donohoe