TEWKSBURY: Arnold Walter Nelson, Jr. “Arnie”, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness on January 17, 2021. He was 83 years old.
He is predeceased by his parents, Arnold Nelson, Sr. and Elizabeth Nelson (Sloane), and his brother, Paul Nelson.
Survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Carol (Quigley) Nelson. Proud father of his 3 children, Sandra Hebenstreit of Centerville, David Nelson of Leominster, and Tracey Bolton and her husband Dean of Falmouth. Daughter-in-law, Kirsten Nelson of Acton. 10 grandchildren, Michael, Kristen, Daniel, Lisa, and David Hebenstreit, Bryan, Kaylee, and Amy Bolton, Kayla and Megan Nelson. 3 great grandchildren, Anthony, Lily, and Maliyah. Cousin Mary Jean Russell, and many friends/neighbors.
Born to Arnold and Elizabeth (Betty) on July 28, 1937. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and graduated from Cambridge High & Latin in 1955.
After graduation from high school, he started his career as a coin collector for New England Telephone where he worked until his retirement in 1994 having worked his way up to management.
He was also a United States Army Veteran, stationed at Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts in the early 60’s.
As a child he enjoyed summers in Onset with extended family and as an adult loved spending time at a cottage at Wells Beach.
He moved to Tewksbury in 1972 and remained in his home until his passing.
His interests were sports, family, and his cars. He was a true sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching the Red Sox, and Patriots in his living room, but most of all enjoyed attending sporting events and watching his grandchildren play.
He was a wonderful Dad and Grampa, He looked forward to and was always a big presence and part of our family holiday gatherings on Cape Cod, baptisms, first communions, graduations and weddings to name a few.
He was also a parishioner at St. Dorothy’s Church in Wilmington for 50 years.
Arnie will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin and friend, and will be missed dearly by all of us.
Services were private with family only due to Covid-19. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge with his family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tewksbury Community Pantry, 999 Whipple Road, Tewksbury, MA 01876 on his behalf.