1945 - 2016
Visitation
January 28, 20164:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
January 29, 201611:00 AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Bernard “Bernie” Nelson, 70, of North Chelmsford, MA died unexpectedly Friday January 22, 2016 at Lowell General Hospital.
He was married to Betty (Pappas) Nelson with whom he would have celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on March 14, 2016.
Born in Clinton, MA on Oct. 31, 1945, he was a son of the late Oscar and Geraldine Nelson. Bernie graduated from Wachusett Regional High School with the Class of 1964. He attended Culinary Institute of CT.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in the US Army attaining the rank of SP5.
Bernie worked as a Foreman for the New England Power Service Co. for many years before retirement. He enjoyed years of camping and taking his kids on outdoor adventures. Bernie loved his dogs, especially Hannibal. He treasured the time he got to spend with his granddaughter Sarah grace. He loved his trucks, singing, and music. All that knew him will miss his playful nature and dedication to family.
Besides his wife he is survived by his son, Adam W. Nelson and his wife Kerianne of Chelmsford; his daughter, Stacey M. Nelson of Chelmsford; his granddaughter “the apple of his eye”, Sarah Nelson; two brothers and their wives, Gerald and Tongsri Nelson of Chelmsford and John and Lisa Nelson of N. Anson, ME; three sisters and their husbands, Hulda and Dr. Tim Mann of Ellenton, FL, Karen Wiberg of Rutland, MA, and Ellen and Shawn Smith of Kissimmee, FL and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Jonathan O. Nelson who died June 9, 2002.
Visiting hours Thursday 4 to 8 P.M. Funeral Friday at 11:00 AM in the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD,MA. Burial at a later date in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. For those that wish Memorials may be made in his name to the Disabled Veterans of America PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 .
christine young
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To Bernie’s family and friends.
I was so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I always remember his fun-loving friendly spirit.
Peace and Blessings,
Christine Young
WRHS Class of 1964
Jane Fancher
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RIP Bernie…. Memories of you bring me smiles!
Prayers and blessings to all of the Nelsons.
Jane Patterson Fancher
WRHS, 1964
Stephanie Manning
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Our sincere condolences to your family. My husband, Joe and I, were classmates of Bernie at WRHS, class of ’64. We shared so many wonderful times…the laughter, the jokes, the love of cars and we can still hear his wonderful laughter! We will carry so many memories in our hearts…Mike Flanagan, Joe Manning, road races, jokes…Bernie was such a special person. I wish we didn’t have to grow up and move on, I would have loved to have been a part of his adult life. I am sure he carried all of that spirit forward. I believe God makes a mold or “cookie cutter” of us, and I think Bernie’s has been placed somewhere special. He was just so unique…he will remain in a very special place in our hearts.
Paul B Jay
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So sorry for your loss, Betty. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. our best wishes go out to you and your family. Paul Jay and all your co-workers at McLean.
Marion Boudreau
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So sorry for your loss Stacey. Sympathy goes out to your mother, brother and extended family. Marion (Cheresse’s mom)
Anna
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Betty and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Anna, Karen and everyone at Jazzercise.
Lola Trudel
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Dear Betty and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am keeping your husband and you in my thought and prayers, with deepest sympathy, Lola Trudel
Jeanie Connor
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I, too, was a high school classmate. I am so pleased to read that he had a happy life with a wonderful family. He will be missed by all who knew him…most especially his beloved Hannibal.
Jeanie
Carol LYNN Kertz
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Wrote much more elsewhere here.
We’ve all list a very spcial person with a witty..caring spirit.
Special condolences to his entire family & ALL others who had the pleasure of knowing him. Blessings & Peace to ALL.
I met & then dated him in CA.
Met his family at Sterling Hill. He still brings a smile to my face. GOODNESS+
Carol LYNN Kertz
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We’ve Al list…
Should say
WE’LL ALL MISS…
Carol LYNN Kertz
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If you can find what I wrote before …I did have more to say about him.
& stangely finding a photo of him on a desk recently.
From an album my mother made for each of us.
I’ve been looking all over for that book.
Somebody found it.
What a sweet heart..he was witty & funny + .
Definitely unforgetable.