Robert E. Nilan, age 89, of Shelton, beloved husband of Joan Sirotnak Nilan, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 in Bridgeport Hospital. He was born in Bridgeport son of the late Patrick and Anna Cody Nilan, and was a graduate and played football for Central High School. Bob was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II. He was a pumper engineer on the Bridgeport Fire Department for more than thirty years and was a member of B.A.R.F. When he retired Bob enjoyed playing golf and reading his Civil War books. Another pleasure was watching his grandchildren play soccer, basketball and baseball. He looked forward to having his grandchildren stop over and also when the family got together. In addition to his wife of sixty-five years he leaves behind his devoted sons Jack Nilan and wife Michele and Gregory Nilan and wife Diana, both of Monroe, a daughter-in-law Margaret Nilan of Trumbull, a brother Thomas Nilan and wife Shirley of Trumbull, seven granddaughters Shannon, Meghan Doyle and husband Mike, Kelly Curry and husband Mike, Kira, Betsy, Mary, and Avery, five grandsons Chris, Sean, Michael, Robby and Eddy, two great grandchildren Logan and Declan and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sons Terence and Michael Nilan, his much loved granddaughter Colleen Nilan, two brothers John and James Nilan and two sisters Nora Bergen and Anne Tartaro. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:00a.m., from Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull, and at 11:00a.m., in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Avenue, Shelton, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call Wednesday morning from 9:00a.m. to 10:00a.m., in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bob's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com