Paul W. Nelson, 94, of Worcester, formerly of Abington, died suddenly on February 28th at UMASS Memorial Hospital, Worcester MA.
Paul was born on March 24th, 1922 in Mansfield, MA, the son of Gustav and Anna (Olson) Nelson.
He attended Boston schools, and as a young man went early into the Navy. While in service, he received a special commendation medal for “sustained acts of heroism” (APA91) on Feb 5th 1945, for rescuing a fellow shipmate. He jumped off the ship, USS Adair, into the ocean, without regard to his own safety or welfare, in order to save this stricken man who had fallen overboard.
He served his country proudly through the years of 1944-1946 as a radar man 3rd class before coming home to the love of his life. Soon after, he became the very proud husband of Jean Anderson on September 14, 1946. Just last year they celebrated 70 years of happily married years together.
Paul and Jean lived in several locations throughout Massachusetts. They started their married life together in Roxbury, and eventually moved to and settled in Abington, MA to raise their family of five children.
During retirement years, they moved to Plymouth MA for many more happy years. Most recently they have split their time between Worcester, MA on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond and wintered in the warmth of Hudson, FL.
Paul was always a very hard worker, with a strong work ethic. He worked for 37 years as a machinist for Arch Gear out of Quincy, MA. Even upon retirement, Paul was not an idle man. Sitting still was not an option. If ever anyone had something that needed fixing, Paul was the one to call. He was mister fix-it. He was known by the family for being Mr. Duct Tape!
All of his four sons inherited his strong work ethic as well. And he was very proud of all his sons for just that. He was equally proud of his daughter for being the apple of his eye, his darling girl, his heart of hearts. Family meant everything to him. He was at his happiest when surrounded by his family. Every member of his beloved family had a special place in his heart. He especially loved hugs and kisses. You would not be able to get by him without a hug and a kiss.
He enjoyed a good time and good laugh. He had many good friends and memories. Of special note were years and years of camping with family and friends. Although Paul and Jean camped in many places, the White Mountains of New Hampshire hold a special place in the Nelson family hearts. Going to the beach was another favorite past time, Rye Beach being an early family favorite. Holiday gatherings, being with family and friends were always at the top of the list. In recent years it remained the same, traveling from the home of each of his children with his beautiful Jean by his side, to see and be with all the family, gave him the most joy of all.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife Jean Nelson, Four sons; Paul L. and Karen Nelson of Pembroke MA, David and Ann Nelson of Plymouth, MA, Mark and Gail Nelson of Worcester, MA, Peter and Shannon Nelson of Brookfield, VT, One daughter; Heidi and Bill Ferris of Norfolk, MA. Eleven Grandchildren; Shayna Nelson, Jenna Nelson, Krista Nelson, Andrea Tosi, Erica Crosby, Heather Spano, Jeremy Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Chelsey Yoshikawa, Sonaz Safari, and Izaih Safari. And nine great grandchildren: Daphne, Forrest, Charlotte, Brianna, Trevor, Matthew, Jack, Isabella, and Paige.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Monday, March 6th at 11:00am in the Blanchard’s Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary) Whitman, MA. Burial will be at 1:30pm in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Visiting hours will be held Sunday March 5th from 12:00-3:00pm