Robert Alan Nelson

Robert A. Nelson Naples, FL – Robert Alan Nelson, 77, formerly of Athol, died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the University of Mass Memorial Health Care – University Campus in Worcester.      Robert was born in Athol, July 15, 1934, the son of Swen A. and Florence M. (Wright) Nelson, part of a large extended family.   He grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1952.  He played trombone and was almost as good a dancer as his son and daughter (not yet born).   He worked at the Athol Shade Factory and was selected as a machinist/apprentice to the Athol Union Twist Drill (a skill furthered by his granddaughter Cadi).    He served in the U.S. Army in France in the Intelligence Unit (COM RECOMM, 1954 – 56, honorable discharge).   He also served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.   He attended Bentley College and Suffolk University, graduating with a BSBA in 1961.   While living in Boston in the early 1960's, he worked full time, completed his degree and supported a growing family along with his first wife, Susan (Burke) Rosenthal formerly of Athol.   Robert lived in the south shore area for many years and in the mid 1980’s moved to Naples, FL where he spent his winters, coming back to New England for summers in Guilford, NH and York, ME.         As he would say, he had “many, many careers”.  He was a teacher, owned a furniture store, scouted locations for movies (e.g., the first “the Thomas Crown Affair” with Steve McQueen).  He also had a successful real estate business, was a top salesman of machining equipment including Do-All Saws, Bridgeport Milling Equipment.  In his final years he was a stockbroker and insurance salesman.  He was semi-retired by the mid 1990’s.        Growing up in Athol he was a member of the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, where his lovely baritone voice added to the magnificent choir.  Robert was active in Suffolk University Alumni Association where he started a scholarship fund for kids from Athol, Orange or Bulknap County NH.  Robert created the scholarship to make Suffolk available to students who think their options are more limited.  Robert loved the outdoors and spent many years boating, skiing, golfing and playing tennis.  His artistic side included playing the organ and painting.  One of his paintings won a juried selection and is on permanent display in the Laconia Lakes Region Hospital.  On the quieter side, he never tired of beating various family members at scrabble.  His love for fun, intense curiosity and playfulness are passed on to his kin and are very much appreciated.  He leaves a loving family who will miss him dearly.  He would want you to know that he loved his family, his country and the simple pleasures of life.          He leaves his companion of 25 years, Joan Fellows of Naples, FL; a son, Eric Nelson of Vienna, VA and a daughter, Signe Nelson of Holliston, MA; two grandchildren, Aaron and Zacadia Nevin and several nieces, nephews and their children, Peggy and Gary Tambolleo, Stephanie, Amelie and GJ, Terry Corrai (Ian), Kelly Hopkins (Jacob) and Miles and Susan Fowler.    He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Hopkins and a nephew Michael Hopkins.       Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 23rd at noon at Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island Street, Athol with the Rev. Adam Randazzo, pastor officiating.  There will be a calling hour from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  A private burial will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Robert’s memory be made to the Suffolk University Alumni Association, Advancement Office, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA  02108-2770.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });