Robert (“Bob”, Nellie”, “Pops”) Nelson, 79 of Bethel passed away on Wednesday September 12, 2012. He was the husband of Mary Ellen (Dunleavy) Nelson. Bob was born in Bethel on August 24, 1933 a son of the late Gustave and Elsie (Wistrand) Nelson. A lifelong resident of Bethel, he graduated from Bethel High School. Bob was served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 on the USS Saipan during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary Church and the Knights of Columbus, Pavia Council #48. For 42 years, Bob worked at the Danbury News-Times in the Composing Room and retired as a Composing Room Foreman. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, bowling, cards, golfing and skiing. Bob’s biggest enjoyment and love was being with his children and grandchildren at his home and working in his garden. Pops will always be remembered for his kind, gentle, sweet and caring ways.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by his 7 children, Robert L. Nelson, Jr., (Debra); Michael Nelson (Trina); Lori Nelson Mingace (David); Lynn Nelson Malizia (Michael); James Nelson (Sheila); Paul Nelson (Heather) and Mark Nelson (Christine) along with 23 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Bob was predeceased by 2 brothers, George and Walter Nelson and a sister Ruth. He is survived by brother Richard Nelson (Nancy) of Danbury; sister Betty Andreason of New Fairfield; sister-in-law Catlina Nelson of Boyton Beach, FL and cousin Barbara Christos of Brookfield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary Church, Bethel on Saturday September 15th at 11:00am. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St., Newtown Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus, Pavia Council #48, P.O. Box 286, Bethel, CT 06801 or to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 408 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810 or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

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