Charles Louis "Charlie" Nelson

(Courier News)

CHARLES "CHARLIE" LOUIS NELSON
AGE: 87 PLAINFIELD

Charles "Charlie" Louis Nelson, 87, died Sunday, June 8, 2009, at CareOne at the Highlands in Edison. He was born and reared in Tarrytown, N.Y., he had resided in the Bronx and Manhattan before moving to Plainfield in 1973. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Nelson served in the Army in the South Pacific. Returning home, he worked as a butcher and soon became an union representative for Local 176 of the United Food & Commercial Workers, New York City. He later became a business agent for UFCW and served for many years on the Labor Advisory Board of United Negro College Fund. Mr. Nelson was a 35-year member of the international organization, Coalition of Black Trade Unions. He was elected to serve a two-year term as regional director and for many years served as vice president of the Central Northern New Jersey Chapter of CBTU. He remained an active member of A. Philip Randolph Institute, United Negro College Fund, Knights of Pythias, Lodge #774, American Legion Post 242 and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. For the past several years, he has been re-elected as president of Plainfield Senior Citizens Center. A member of United Church of Christ Congregational, Mr. Nelson served his Plainfield Church several times as a trustee, several times on the church Counsel and many years as a Board Member.
He was predeceased by his wife, Jennie Nelson; and a grandson, Joaquin Nelson. Surviving are his son, Scott Nelson and wife, Julia; his daughter, Karen Nichson; his sister, Ruth Nelson; his grandsons, Javiel, Justin, and Michael; his longtime companion, Dr. Inez Durham; and a host of dear relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 11 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West 8th St., Plainfield. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12 at United Church of Christ Congregational, 224 West 7th St., Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to United Negro College Fund, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, P.O. Box 1044, Fairfax, VA 22031-8044. To send condolences, please go to www.higginsfuneralhome.com.