Nielsen V. Lewis ’69

Niel died peacefully at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center Jan. 18, 2023, with his family at his side.

Nine months after Niel was born his father died, and he was raised by his mother in Hanover, N.H. There he developed a deep love of nature. When his mother died in 1964, Niel was welcomed into the family of Margaret and Warren Schumacher, thereby acquiring a new sister and two new brothers. He remained close to the Schumacher family for the rest of his life.

After graduating from Phillips Exeter, Niel came to Princeton, where he majored in American history. His thesis on “Political Consequences of Urban Race Riots” foretold a lifelong interest in race relations. His later comments on that topic in our various reunion yearbooks speak eloquently of his thoughts and concerns.

Niel attended Michigan Law School and, following his naturalist leanings, devoted his practice to environmental law. Over many years, he was a prolific writer and speaker on environmental law and insurance coverage issues. After decades in private practice, he closed out his environmental law career in public service, joining the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General in 2011. He retired just weeks before his death.

Niel was a wonderful guy whose life was characterized by kindness, humility, and pursuit of justice. He was a devoted Princetonian who was a frequent attender at ’69’s events.

Niel is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marcy; son Andrew ’12, of whom he was enormously proud; and his Schumacher siblings, Richard, Barbara, and Roger. Like them, we will miss this gentle and unassuming man.