Nielsen V. Lewis

Nielsen V. Lewis, 76, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center on January 18, 2023.

Nielsen (Niel) was born in Boston, MA, to Agnes Nielsen Lewis. His father, Thomas Lothrop Lewis, died nine months following Niel's birth. Niel was raised by his mother in Hanover, NH, where he enjoyed a spirited childhood, good friends, and developed a deep love of nature. Orphaned upon the death of his mother in 1964, Niel was graciously embraced by Margaret and Warren Schumacher, thereby acquiring new parents and three siblings. He remained close to and a part of the Schumacher family to the end.

Upon graduation from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1965, Niel earned an A.B. from Princeton University in 1969, majoring in American History, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1972. 

Following his naturalist leanings, Niel devoted himself to the practice of environmental law. A prolific writer and speaker on timely environmental law and insurance coverage issues, Niel presented numerous educational programs for lawyers, environmental consultants, and government officials. He was past chair of the Insurance Law Section and a member of the Environmental Law Section of the NJ State Bar Association, and a Master of the Justice Stewart G. Pollock Environmental Inn of Court. 

Niel closed his environmental law career with public service, joining the Environmental Enforcement Section of the NJ Office of the Attorney General in 2011 as a deputy attorney general. He retired just weeks before his death. 

Intellectually curious and compassionate by nature, Niel's life was characterized by his kindness, humility, and the pursuit of justice. Throughout his life, he volunteered his time to community, education, and environmental stewardship. Niel was a dedicated member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Pennington, NJ, recently serving on its vestry.

Niel is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marcy; his beloved son, Andrew; siblings Richard Schumacher, Barbara (Schumacher) King, and Roger Schumacher; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on February 4, 2023, at 10:30 am, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 300 South Main St., Pennington, NJ 08534. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research & Treatment Fund, 500 E. 77th Street, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10162 (https://www.crt.org) or St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (https://www.stmatthewspennington.org).