Nielsen, Frederick M., age 74, of Valrico, left his family to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2017. Fred, native of Wilmington, DE, was a devotedly loving husband, father and friend. After graduating from the University of Tampa, he began a 50 year career with Greiner Engineering (now AECOM) with the Airport Planning Division doing a job he thoroughly loved and enjoyed. Over the span of his career, he helped design and develop over 300 airports around the world and gained much respect from co-workers to whom he appreciated as family. Not only did Fred enjoy his career, but he cherished time with his family. He could often be found in his spare time gardening, going to the gym, playing racquetball, and watching baseball, football and hockey with his dog Shelby. Fred is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Ruth Nielsen. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sheila Nielsen, daughters Alicia Nielsen and Malissa Nielsen (fiancé Patrick Jesso), step-daughter Angela McKean (Sean), mother-in-law Eva Jernigan, and family in Delaware and Denmark. A Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 2pm at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home. The family will receive guests one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation.