CHICOPEE – Jeremy J. “Bear” Nelson, 49, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, August 31, 2024. He passed into Eternal Life unexpectedly at his home in Chicopee in the arms of his loving wife, Kim. He was born in Holyoke on August 15, 1975 and was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Saint Stanislaus Elementary School, and Chicopee Comprehensive High School. He furthered his education and attended Porter & Chester Institute in Chicopee where he received a certificate as an Automobile Mechanic. While in High School, he lettered in chess. He worked at several area dealerships and was currently employed as a Master Auto Technician at Curry Nissan in Chicopee. During his leisure time, Jer’s passions were Harley Davidson motorcycles, music, beer, food, gardening, family and friends. He was an accomplished musician and was a guitarist for the DHM Band and a bass player for the Grzelakurse Band. He enjoyed making people laugh and smile. Most of all, he truly loved his family and his many friends. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Teresa Marie Nelson; his grandparents who raised him, Charles and Jeanne Nelson of Chicopee; his loving step-son, Jake Andrew Kleszczynski; his loving father-in-law, Edmund L. Gelinas Sr. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Kim Ann (Gelinas) Nelson of Chicopee; his cherished step-son, Keith Alan Kleszczynski Jr.; his father “Pops”, David K. Toplon of Granby; his two dear sisters, Patricia Lee Ryan and her husband, Thomas MacDonald, of Chicopee, and Amy Houle and her husband, Jared, of Spencer; his aunts, Mary Longo and her husband, Joe, of Feeding Hills, Jeanne Nelson of Chicopee, and Kathy Rabinsky of Palmer; his uncles, Charles Nelson of Chicopee and Michael Nelson and his partner, Kelly Berthiaume; his loving mother-in-law, Jean Y. Gelinas; his brother-in-law, Edmund L. Gelinas Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Michele M. Gelinas; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. His relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels (413-532-9806). 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, his family has established a link to assist with expenses. https://gofund.me/55e2ccc1
For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com