Mr. Roger J. Nilan Jr.

Mr. Roger J. Nilan, Jr., 66, of Sampson Pkwy, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 15, 2017, after a long illness, with his brother, Cliff, and close friends by his side. Born in Pittsfield on June 17, 1950, the son of Roger Sr. and Rita Murphy Nilan, he was a 1968 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Following high school, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from North Adams State College. While attending North Adams State College, he began working part time at the Dwyer Funeral Home. He later enrolled in embalming school and was a 1973 graduate of the New England Institute of Anatomy with a degree in Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing. During his funeral directing career, he also attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA. Roger had a forty-seven-year career at the Dwyer Funeral Home during which he became part of the Dwyer family. After Roger lost his father at a young age, Mr. Dwyer became a second father to him, and the two became inseparable, working side by side all these years. He would also babysit the four Dwyer children and later worked with Dan and Rob. He also enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephew. He truly cared for the people around him and the many families he served over the years. He had a kind heart and was willing to help anyone in need. He will be forever missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his brother, Clifford Nilan and his wife Lynne of Pittsfield and their children, Meredith, Kara and her husband, Kevin Raymond, and Jimmy; cousins, Dominic and Dorothy Dascani, Michael and his wife Heather and Nancy Dascani. He also leaves his two very close friends Christine Mullaney and Sandra Spaniol, as well as many other friends and extended family. He was predeceased by his very close cousin, Robert Dascani, who passed away in 2015. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Roger J. Nilan, Jr. will be Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 9 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor. Burial alongside his parents, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the Dwyer Funeral Home will be Friday evening, January 20, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the St. Charles Church Food Pantry or the St. Joseph Church Food Pantry, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Roger J. Nilan Jr.

June 17, 1950 - January 15, 2017