William C. “Bill” Nelson, 92, a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading. Bill was born in Malden in 1931, attended Malden Public Schools, and met the love of his life, Carmella (Fucci) while in high school. They were married for more than 71 years and together raised eleven children.
Bill graduated from Bentley College and enlisted in the Navy as a young man. He was a CPA for more than 55 years with his own practice in Maplewood Square. He loved Malden and found time to volunteer in his community as the Commissioner of Malden Babe Ruth Baseball (1971-1979), and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #105 (1984-1990). He served as President of the Holy Name Society of Sacred Hearts Parish, where he also served, along with Carmella, as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and as a Pre-Cana instructor focused on family and raising children.
Bill enjoyed a bad pun, playing cribbage, Mills Brothers music, James Cagney films, westerns, camping with his children when they were young, traveling to Hawaii, Italy, Puerto Rico, and in later years visiting family who lived out of state.
Along with Carmella, he is survived by his children William Nelson and partner Sajjad Karim of France, Kathleen Nelson of Peabody, Patricia Mooney and husband Paul of Wilmington, Richard T. Nelson and wife RobynAnn of TX, Robert Nelson and partner Mary Kate Wiley of MO, Christine Nelson-Rivers and wife Jude Rivers of Melrose, Paul Nelson and husband Patrick Fitzgerald of Malden, Jeanne Vaillancourt and husband Daniel of NH, Daniel Nelson and wife Dorothy of AZ, sister Maureen Newman and brother-in-law Dan of UT, 17 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Carl and Marie (Senerchia) Nelson, brothers George and Carl, sons Michael and Stephen, and infant son Richard Edward.
Bill requested those attending his services wear bright, happy colors and celebrate his life with stories. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St, Reading, MA 01867 where he was treated so well during his final days.
Relatives & friends are invited to attend Bill's funeral procession from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Thursday May 16th at 10 AM followed by his Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 790 Salem Street, Malden at 11 AM. Services will conclude with interment in Forest Dale Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday May 15th from 4-8 PM.