Walter Thomas Nielsen passed away in the loving embrace of his family on May 1, 2012. Born June 7, 1927, in Cohoes, NY and raised in North Albany, N.Y., he was the son of John Christian Nielsen and Anna Irene O'Connor.  He served in the US Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1946 and was a member of the American Legion Post 504 Au Sable Forks, NY and Post 0047, Valatie, NY. Walt is a graduate of Syracuse University and recipient of the State War Service Scholarship for Veterans and did advanced studies at SUNY Albany.             As a dedicated educator, he taught learning disabled youth and served as school psychologist in Hudson, NY and at Taconic Hills for twenty five years. He was a charter member of the National Association of School Psychologists.             He was predeceased by his dearest friend, fellow aviator and brother, John Christian Nielsen. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Mary Nielsen.  He is loved deeply by his children John Stimmel and wife Maureen; Michelle Dunn and husband Chris as well as his grandchildren Jacqueline, Kevin, and Kathleen Stimmel. Walt was the beloved uncle of Dona Marie and Bill Munro, Catherine and Bruce Clark, John C. and Sylvia Nielsen, Dwight and Helen Nielsen, Ann Marie Nielsen, Walter and Lori Nielsen, Rosalyn, Gregory, and David Michels, Kristin Hanes and Corinne March. He was loved dearly by his brothers-in-law Frank Michels and wife Kathleen, Jim Michels and wife Veronica and Joseph Michels.             The family wishes to express their gratitude to the second floor staff, Dr. Franklin, and the Hospice Unit at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY, for their compassionate care.             A memorial gathering will be held at the French, Gifford, Preiter, and Blasl Funeral Home at 25Railroad Ave., Chatham, NY, on 12 May at 11:00 AM a time for sharing will begin at noon. Interment will follow at Chatham Rural Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ghent Food Pantry and Columbia Memorial Hospice. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.frenchblasl.com.       Memorial gathering Saturday, May 12th at 11am followed by a time for sharing at noon. Interment will follow at Chatham Rural Cemetery.