Miller Middle School opened Monday morning with a two-hour delay and closed early Tuesday to allow staff to attend the wake. Services and counselors are in place all week for grieving students and parents. Miller Vice Principal Kim Terwilliger pointed out that his popularity was evinced in the huge number of people who attended his services. “Travis displayed a wonderful sense of humor,” she said. “He held students accountable for their actions yet did so with compassion and understanding. He connected with students by building their trust and supporting them when they needed it. He walked the halls, participated in after-school activities and spent time in many classrooms. He kissed a kangaroo … played basketball with students, and attended school functions.”
Students were able to write messages to Travis in cards or poster paper that was provided on the walls of the gym and cafeteria, said Terwilliger. “The messages were moving.”
A Shokan resident at the time of his passing, Travis Nissen was born May 29, 1984 in Kingston. Besides his wife, survivors by his mother, Mary R. Merck; his father, David F. Nissen and stepfather, Richard J. Merck; brothers Greg Pettinato and Kyle J. Nissen, grandparents Dorothy Jacks and Pat Merck; cousin Adam McGrath; uncle James McGrath; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to The Travis A. Nissen Memorial Fund, c/o of Merck CPAs, PO Box 3537, Kingston, NY, 12402. Condolences may be left at www.KeyserFuneralService.com.
