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Griffin G. Nelson
1918 - 2015 GREAT BARRINGTON Griffin G. Nelson, an active member of the US Postal Service for 35 years retiring as Postmaster in Great Barrington on Feb. 19, 1982, died Saturday Feb. 21. He was 96 years old. The son of Elmer Brian and Bertha Getschel Nelson, he was born on the family farm in the Township of Copake N.Y. on June 19, 1918 and attended both Hillsdale (N.Y.) High School and Roeliff Jansen Central Schools graduating in the class of 1934. Mr. Nelson joined the Unites States Army on Feb. 23, 1942 entering the Officer's Training Program. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on Sept. 29 1942 and was assigned to the Second Armored Division then under the command of British General Bernard Montgomery. He served in both the North African and the European campaigns, landing in Normandy on D-day plus three. During active service, he was wounded twice, the first time in Normandy on July 29, 1944 during the St. Lo breakthrough and the second time in the advance into the heart of Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army on April 26, 1946 receiving two Purple Hearts for his valor while under enemy fire. While in service and before being shipped overseas, Mr. Nelson married the former Nancy Janet VanDeusen of Great Barrington on Oct. 4, 1942. They were happily married for 67 years. Nancy died Jan. 5, 2010. He is survived by three sisters, Alma E. Farrell of Rensselaer N.Y., Laura L. Hubbard of Mission Viejo Calif., Beth L. Muth and husband Edgar of North Tonawanda N.Y.; one brother, Brandt W. Nelson of Hillsdale N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Olive Michael and Helen Carlson. In keeping with Griffin's wishes a private graveside service will be at the convenience of the family. BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington MA 01230 entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
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