Clive Johan Nilsen

Clive Johan Nilsen, 68, of Manahawkin, New Jersey, passed away on September 24, 2026.

Clive was born on August 30, 1958, in Santa Barbara, California, to the late Laurance Nilsen and Doris Giles Nilsen. Of British heritage, Clive spent part of his childhood and early life in England before eventually returning to the States.

Clive later moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania, where he met the love of his life, Patricia. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, eventually settled near Long Beach Island, New Jersey, which became home for so many of the memories they created together.

Clive was the devoted husband of Patricia and loving father of Brittany Goganzer and her husband, Josh; Mallory Cometa and her husband, Chuck; and Shelby Gilley and her husband, Eric. He was also the incredibly proud grandfather, lovingly known as “Papa,” to Isabella, Nilsen, Camilla, Wesley, and Thea.

He is also survived by his brothers, Ian Nilsen and his wife, Angie, and Leith Nilsen and his wife, Pinky; his sister, Jennifer Nilsen and her husband, Arthur Deleo; as well as nieces and nephews. Clive was predeceased by his parents, Laurance Nilsen and Doris Giles Nilsen, and his brothers, Graham Nilsen and Craig Nilsen.

A self-taught carpenter, Clive’s craftsmanship was remarkable, one-of-a-kind, and truly special. He had a natural eye for his craft and spent more than 50 years honing his skills while building homes throughout Long Beach Island. His work was something to be admired, and his talent left a lasting mark throughout the community he called home.

Over the course of his career, Clive made countless friends and was so often the life of the party. He was hardworking, generous with his skills, and always willing to lend a hand. If someone needed help, Clive showed up. He was the kind of person who truly would give you the shirt off his back.

As a husband, Clive was undeniably in love with Patty. They shared more than 40 years of marriage, building a life together filled with family, memories, laughter, and love. Above all else, Clive adored his three girls. He raised his daughters with immense pride and never missed an opportunity to boast about them or, later, about his grandchildren.

He loved nothing more than having everyone together. Some of the best memories were made simply by being together as a family — dancing in the kitchen, gathering around the table for family dinners, BBQs and parties, with Clive’s unmistakable laugh carrying through the house and making everyone else laugh along with him. Those ordinary moments were often the ones Clive treasured most.

More than anything, Clive will be remembered for the way he loved people, his kindness, and his remarkable ability to forgive, forget, and move forward. He was unapologetically himself and never hesitated to be exactly who he was. That authenticity, along with his humor, generosity, and larger-than-life presence, made him unforgettable to the people who loved him.

Clive was taken far too soon, and his absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Time of Remembrance beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

The family also plans to hold a larger Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Clive’s memory to the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter in Stafford, New Jersey.

Clive leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of stories, memories, laughter, and lessons that will continue to be shared for generations to come.

And, as Clive would say:  “Right toe, left toe, hip hip, hop hop, carry on then…”