Indianapolis, Indiana – Stephen R. Nielsen passed away surrounded by family on January 9, 2018, after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. He was born July 26, 1954, in Poughkeepsie, NY to the late Gail and Robert Nielsen. Steve grew up in Pawling, NY. He graduated from Pawling High School in 1972 and later received a BS in Civil Engineering from Valparaiso University in 1977. After graduation, he moved to Indianapolis working mainly in the environmental and municipal engineering field for 38 years. His career included over 23 years in private consulting engineering firms, 5 years as Chief Engineer for the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works under the Mayor Hudnut administration, over 3 years as Chief Engineer and Deputy Director under the Mayor Ballard administration and over 4 years as Director of Wet Distribution Engineering for Citizens Energy Group. He retired from Citizens Energy Group in June 2015. Steve loved his family, golf and was an avid fan of Indy Car racing. He was a life-long fan of the NY Giants, NY Mets, and NY Rangers as well as an Indianapolis Colts fan. Steve is survived by his loving wife and best friend Gina (Giambartolomei); their daughter, Cassie; son, CJ; his furry pal, Reggie; his sister, Patricia (Stan) Briggs; niece Kelley; aunt, Varna Tuz; as well as other Aunts/Uncles and numerous cousins and many friends. Visitation will be 4pm-7pm Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Conkle Funeral Home Speedway. A Mass at St. Christopher Catholic Church will be 11 am Thursday, January 18, 2018. A Memorial Service TBA later will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Pawling NY. Steve would request that any donations be made in his name to St. Christopher Catholic Church or the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
