Edward J Nelson, Jr, age 71, formerly of Cambridge, Weymouth and Quincy, passed away peacefully at Cape Cod Hospital on August 3rd of heart failure, surrounded by family. Ed was born August 16, 1946, the oldest son of Edward J Nelson, Sr and Geraldine F (Holland) Nelson.
After graduating from Weymouth High School in 1964, Ed studied broadcasting, and became deeply involved in the music scene at The Surf, Nantasket Beach, MA. Ed was a founding member of the Weymouth Ski Club, a member of the rollercoaster group ACE, and an award-winning advocate for both affordable housing and affordable water in Quincy, recognized as Citizen of the Year in 1992. He was a self-starter who, along with his then wife Pam, owned and managed a number of apartment properties in Quincy, MA and beyond, as well as starting “Treats”, a vending supplier business.
Ed is survived by his former wife, Pam DiMatteo Nelson; his son Brian Nelson; his four siblings, Lynne O’Riorden, Virginia Sutherland and husband John, David Nelson and wife Maureen, and Laura Dalton and husband John; and numerous loving nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends. His family extends their deepest love and gratitude to all those who provided support since his major car accident in 2006, including his tireless guardian Suzanne Atryzek; the caring staff at Spaulding Rehab in Boston and CHIPS House in Centerville, MA; his dear close friends; and the wonderful staff and community at Cape Winds Rest Home in Hyannis, MA, especially Supervisor Shirley Miller and her daughter Courtney.
Ed will always be remembered for his pride in his son Brian, his sense of humor and entrepreneurial spirit, his passion for skiing and rollercoasters, and his desire to give back to the city he loved. A small, private memorial gathering will be held by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org), the American Heart Association, or Cape Winds Rest Home, 349 Sea ST., Hyannis, MA 02601