In Sarasota, Florida, August 9, 2018, John J. Nelson, 58 years old of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Taunton and resided in Raynham and Plainville, MA. He was the husband of his loving wife Darline R. (Arnold) Nelson, and the father of his pride and joy, John James Nelson Jr. (Jack).
He was the son of Paul E. Nelson and Lucy M. (Ferarra) Nelson (both deceased).
In addition, he leaves behind a brother, Paul C. Nelson and his wife Marissa of Naples, FL and Bourne, MA, James L. Nelson (deceased), a sister, Janet L. DiGiorgio and her husband Anthony of Lincoln, RI, and nephew of Lawrence (deceased) and Patricia Ferrara and her companion Franco Carnemolla.
John was an expert fisherman and treasured every minute fishing with his son and family on Cape Cod and in Florida, where he could always be counted on to bait everyone’s fishing hooks, untangle lines, all while still catching his fair share of fish. John was a huge Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, who eventually converted to a Tampa Bay Rays fan, so he could enjoy his son’s favorite team and they could both root for the Rays at the ballpark together. His quick wit, kind heart and dry sense of humor combined to make people comfortable and want to be around him.
John’s love and devotion to his loving wife Darline will be unending as they are the perfect match for each other.
John was a gracious, kind and giving man to family members, friends, co-workers and to all he met. Most recently, John was a Fund Accountant for HarbourVest Partners, a Private Equity Firm located in Boston, MA. John graduated from Babson College with a Master’s Degree in Accounting while working full time days and attending evening classes. While at Babson, John was the recipient of the Prentice Hall Award for his academic achievement in the field of accounting for his graduating class.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, August 22nd from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 23rd at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church, 114 St. Mary’s Square, Taunton, MA 02780.
Burial Services will be private following the mass at the family’s request.
Donations can be made to the Boston Children’s Hospital at: https://secure.childrenshospital.org/site/Donation