Jeffrey Todd Nelson, age 56, passed peacefully on November 13, 2021 at Avalon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mystic, CT surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jeff was raised in Old Tappan, New Jersey and moved to Connecticut when his family bought the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme. He graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High School in 1983. Jeff discovered his love of cooking while working in the Bee and Thistle kitchen. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1989. After interning at the 21 Club in NYC and spending a year at the Ritz Carleton in Boston. Jeff returned to The Bee and Thistle Inn to work with his family. His love of food along with his leadership skills contributed to making the restaurant an award winning “Best in the State” from 1985-1990.
Besides the culinary arts, Jeff’s other passion was politics. He joined Rob Simmons’ Congressional campaign in 2000 as a volunteer. He quickly earned the role of Deputy District Director for the Congressman. In 2007, Jeff worked for Governor Jodi Rell as District Director of Eastern Connecticut until she retired from politics.
In 2011, Jeff married the love of his life Lisa Debes and lived happily with their four fur babies, Ruby, Sabrina, Emmie and Bella in Groton, CT. During this time Jeff worked for Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor in Mystic, CT.
Jeff loved politics, everything military and most of all his family. He was loved and respected by everyone he touched for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and uplifting personality. He was known for his witty humor, caring heart and selflessness. Jeff brought a smile to every life he touched. The world was a better place because he was in it.
Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa Nelson of Groton, mother Penny Nelson, of Mystic, sister Lori Nelson of Groton, and brother Dr. John Nelson, and his wife Loren of Stonington, and Mitchell and Joyce Soivenski, his mother and father-in-law of Hampton, NH. Jeff was the proud uncle of Christian, Ava, Ashley, Sydney, Mariah and Vianna.
Calling hours will be at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, on Thursday, November 18 from 5 to 7:00pm A Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, November 20, at 1:00pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
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