1921 – 2003

SCARBOROUGH – John R. Nissen, 81, father, grandfather, baking business pioneer, executive passed away on July 30, at Piper Shores Nursing Home following an illness.

Mr. Nissen, the son of Hilka and Herluf Nissen was born on Aug. 12, 1921, in Portland. He was educated at Deering High School, Governor Drummer Academy, and Bowdoin College. Following the death of his father, he began working for the family business, the John J. Nissen Baking Co., that was started by his grandfather.

His lifetime career with the business began with operating a Nissen Bakery in Worcester, Mass. There he met and married his wife of 37 years, the former Elizabeth Read, who predeceased him in 1986. They had two children and two grandchildren.

As a treasurer of the J.J. Nissen Baking Co., he became well known throughout New England and the country. He was chairman of the WE Long Co. of Chicago, Ill., bakery cooperative, which allowed smaller bakeries to compete with the larger national brands. In his lifetime the Nissen Baking Co. went from a small bakery in Portland, to a New England wide operation consisting of eight bakeries.

He held many other titles as well: president of the Portland and Worcester Country Clubs, board member of the Maine National Bank, and Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

He was also a sheriff of Duke’s County in Martha’s Vineyard, a job that amused him and bemused his family. His family and friends will always remember his great sense of humor. They remember the times when he would give completely fake “historical” tours of Casco Bay on his boats and they recall his joyous membership in the Portland based “Know Nothings”, the bakers group, the Black Sheep and the Portland Chowder and Marching Society.

His generosity touched so many that it is impossible to state it all here. To his children and grandchildren he was dad, friend, and poppy, the guy who showed by example how to live a rich, generous, and fulfilling life.

He is survived by two children, a son, Jay Nissen and a daughter, Carolyn Nissen of Burlington, Vt., his sister, Shirley Koshliek, a nephew, Mark Koshliek, Vicki Koshliek, and a grandniece, Jennifer Koshliek of Yarmouth.

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