Add a Memory
Make a Donation
David Nelson Obituary
Nelson, who was battling complications of colon cancer, died Tuesday at his Los Angeles home, said family spokesman and longtime Hollywood publicist Dale Olson.
Nelson was the last remaining member of the Nelsons TV family, which included actor/bandleader Ozzie, his singer wife, Harriet Hilliard and his teen idol brother Rick. The show originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," then ran for 320 episodes on TV from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" with some of the story lines taken from the stars' own lives. David Nelson also directed and produced numerous episodes of the show throughout its run.
Singer Gunnar Nelson, a son of Rick Nelson, issued a statement Wednesday, saying his uncle's death was "a great loss to the Nelson family."
"We will all miss Uncle Dave's laughter and evolved sense of humor," Gunnar Nelson said.
"The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" was shot in the Nelson family home in the Hollywood foothills, which remains a popular attraction for visitors on Hollywood celebrity bus tours.
Born in New York City, David attended Hollywood High School and the University of Southern California.
His film credits included "Peyton Place," ''The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker," ''The Big Circus," ''Day of the Outlaw," ''30,''''The Big Show," 'Love and Kisses and "Swing Out, Sweet Land." In 1976, he costarred with his mother in "Smash-Up on Interstate 5."
His television credits included "Up In Smoke," ''The Love Boat," ''High School USA," and "A Family For Joe." Directing credits included "O.K. Crackerby," ''Childish Things," ''Easy To Be Free," ''Ozzie's Girls," ''Death Screams," ''Last Plane Out," ''Goodnight Beantown" and "A Rare Breed."
Nelson also was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons and a daughter; and seven grandchildren. A service will be held Thursday at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
774 Entries
BOB CIRILLO
May 12, 2020
DAVE AND RICK WERE LIKE
BROTHERS TO ME- GROWING UP.
I WAS BORN 8/36- DAVE 10/36
THANK YOU FOR BEING A GREAT BROTHER TO RICK AND A WONDERFUL SON TO OZZIE AND HARRIET. YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
YOUR TALENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS , WILL LIVE ON FOREVER
HOPE YOU ARE ALL TOGETHER- ON THE OTHER SIDE.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Garnett Fair
April 26, 2019
David and Ricky both couldn't fool my Mother who had watched them grow up on TV and with 2 sons 1 the same age as David that they came to see in Ky. James Marvin Fair,my brother that worked on Harley Davidsons and knew the bikers to help get a petition going for the no helmet law which did make with thru finally with their help. I never knew he had passed but I did Ricky when the plane crashed. I was honored to meet the 2 and my brother thought the world of them and my Mother did too. My sister was there when my Mother met them and she didn't know who they were,Mother did and asked how their Father and Mother were doing just like she had known them in real life all their lives. I wish that they were still here with us but both are gone and so is my brother 3 years later at age 77 and the next to him at 54 in 1992 from liver cancer that was caused yellow jaundice when he was young from what was said. He got to meet the also and he would joe with them as he was a cut up and loved to see people laugh and smile all the time. RIP all,the Nelson brothers and my brothers you are together now forever!
Garnett Fair (Liberty,Ky)
Norman Brown
September 1, 2018
I really don't know what brought me to this site. I guess while I was watching, I got to thinking about how life has really changed since my childhood and how we all had so much fun watching all the old time programs. One of my favorites was watching the Ozzie and Harriet show. Life was so much better back in the 50's and 60's I know you can't stop progress but for me, those years in my life were the happiness and when David passed away, a part of my happiness died with him but I will always cherish the memories of happier times. Thank you Nelson family for being a part of my life.
Gary Hines
April 2, 2015
I just loved that show when I was a kid. David and Ricky had the kid life that I was wishing I had wind I was looking at the Ozzie show. I really loved that show. But I did not know it was on the radio. I listen to the radio a lot. Country musie a lot. Thank you David for you and your family for the wonderful shows, I am now 73 old and still having old meamery times. GOD BLESS and HIS LOVE
How you can show support
Jennifer Latshaw
March 13, 2015
None of our lives are perfect, but I hope David knew how sweet it was for us to watch his family on TV for so many years. God Bless all of them and their souls. Just a friend
Jamie Blount
October 24, 2014
Though The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was merely an entertaining TV show and not a real life portrayal the American family, it was a nice way for children to deal with the rigors of the growing up. American fathers, mothers and children had a chance to laugh at themselves, a healthy form of escape we all need from time to time. Even today when a wedding guest toasts a newly wed couple, s/he may intone, "May you be as happy as Ozzie and Harriet!"
Joseph Moody
October 24, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Harry Simpson
October 2, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
November 29, 2013
Good show. Sorry the reruns were ever taken off. Dear Nelson family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you.
Phillipians . 4
~OHIO~
Richard Owen
March 3, 2013
Rest In Peace, Mr. Nelson. see You On The Other Side On That Beautiful Day.
Rich Delucia
January 4, 2013
I Loved the Ozzie and Harriet show,I still wacth the reruns.I will miss
you all R.I.P. togeter.....
bill ross
October 15, 2012
My sympathy to the family of david nelson. What a genuinely great guy. Underrated talent. We will all miss him. God bless dave.
David's boat reached paridise!
Diane Martin
September 17, 2012
Diane Martin
September 17, 2012
You were a wonderful human being, David, and so caring to take care of your parents and Ricky's kids. I am sure you are in Heaven now with the rest of your immediate family. I will never forget you, and will pray for the rest of your family as they grieve.
EMILY AND BOB PUGLIESE
March 26, 2012
REST IN PEACE, NOW ALL TOGETHER EMILY AND BOB WILIAMSTOWN, NJ
Dennis
March 21, 2012
RIP David remember watching the show every week with the family. Was the best years for families being together watching many clean fun shows. Now your with the whole family again. Bless this wonderful family we all shared in our ealry days.
Liz
March 4, 2012
May you rest in peace with your parents and brother. You are truly missed. Gone but not forgotten.
Don & Alfreda Avelis
December 13, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are so sorry to hear about the death of David Nelson. We know that he is in heaven with his precious parents and brother. God bless all of you.
Candy Niesen
October 1, 2011
You will be greatly missed. My brother and I grew up with the Nelson family and we felt we were part of the extended family. God bless you and your family you impacted our lives in a positive way. Candy (YL, CA)
Dennis Romanosky
August 15, 2011
Great show.Great people. Great era. Listening to Rick's greatest hits as I write this. May they all rest in peace. My heart is broken.
neil pasquale
July 17, 2011
i spent many a night watching your show.
Jane Oeser
June 15, 2011
I loved the show and still do! It is always sad to say goodbye to an era, I wish we still had wholesome shows like this on TV. Even though they are all gone the show will remain for others to enjoy!
marsha green
June 8, 2011
My thoughts are with the family, loved watching the family show.
Rest in Peace and enjoy the family in heaven
Marsha Green
Bruce and Ila
May 28, 2011
We're so sorry about the death of David Nelson. May you, his family, continue to recover, grieve as needed and relish your memories! To his children and grandchildren - hold close to your heart everything you know, love and feel about David. I'm one who writes the memories so I can go back and remember things that slip from my mind. We don't really feel like the outsiders we are because the Nelson family shows always made us feel like family = as if they made us a part of theirs. May each day ahead be a little easier for each of you!
Our sympathy and prayers!
GLENDA ADAMS
May 14, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Phyllis Hawkins
April 6, 2011
My best girlhood friend and I so enjoyed it all when we were kids in NJ.
March 1, 2011
Seeing your picture David makes me think of all the fun times you and your brother Rick gave to the public as they watched your familys show.
May the Nelson Family Now Rest in Peace
February 15, 2011
My condolences to the entire Nelson family. I was a fan of the Ozzie & Harriett Show and felt very bad that the last surviving member is now gone. Maybe Ozzie can recreate a show in Heaven.
Gerry
February 1, 2011
We watched the Ozzie and Harriet show as a family and enjoyed every minute of it. It was a time when families were together and at a much slower pace than today. We can't go back. You will be missed God bless you all. My sympathy and prayers go out to all your family and friends during this time.
Debra Marbury
January 29, 2011
I grew up watching the Nelson family. That was a time when life seemed filled with less problems or at least they were different. Families did more together and respected each other. I look forward to the day when all families will be truly united. At John 5: 28,29 Jesus promised that we will be united with our dead loved.
My deepest sympathy to the family .
Noelle Smith
January 24, 2011
I grew up watching "Ozzie and Harriet", I cried when Ricky died in that plane crash, he was one of my favorite music artists,and now just a few short years after losing mama "Harriet" we lose David, the last of the family who brought television comedy of the 50's and 60's to great height. Reruns will never be the same without him sitting there and saying "I remember doing that scene".
Lynne Taylor
January 24, 2011
The Nelsons were my all-time favorite TV family growing up. I watched the reruns in syndication every day after school. Ozzie reminded me of my grandfather. With David's, death, they are all gone now. It's like losing a piece of my childhood. May God comfort you in your loss.
January 20, 2011
I liked All the Nelsons. I'll never forget the episode where Ricky is dating several girls at the same time on campus. At the end of the episode, David looks at the fourth wall (the tv camera and says, "How does he (referring to Ricky) ever find time to practice the guitar, I had a dream that if I ever got to California again, I was going to look up David, and talk about the old show. Well, the Nelons are finally back together again.
Jim Byers
January 19, 2011
The best family show of all time. Sympathy to the family.
Jan Tropp
January 18, 2011
I love Ozzie & Harriet, still watch them on DVD. David was always my favorite. They were a wonderful family to watch and look up to,we could use shows like that today. God Bless David's family, he was loved by many.
Joyce Craft
January 17, 2011
Oh, my gosh. This is the end of an era. The era I grew up in. I loved the Ozzie & Harriet Show. I sort of fancied myself as part of their family; the spoiled kid sister. Now, they're all gone, and I will miss them, even though they've been out of the spotlight for a while. Rest your head on God's shoulder, David. He's been waiting for you. Now you will be with the rest of your family.
To Mrs. Nelson----- May the Lord God keep you and comfort you and your children and grandchildren in this time of great sorrow.
Ron Chabot
January 17, 2011
Those were great times of 'milk and cookies' ..a wholesome family show. It was an enjoyable family entertainment and will be remembered.
Ron and Anita Chabot
Osoyoos, B.C.
Canada
Jackie Leatham
January 17, 2011
I grew up with Ozzie and Harriet. Rick was my first crush. I really loved the program and the family. Sorry for your loss.
Cindy & Don Du Bois
January 17, 2011
We grew up watching you on TV. Those were the good ole days. May God bless and be with you all.
January 17, 2011
Wow, The Nelson Family brings back great childhood memories. We could identify with David and Rick since they were close to our age and going through the same daily problems of teenagers. Even when I see it shown on television today, I sit down and watch and all those good memories come back to me. Girls dreamed of marrying someone just like the Nelson boys. Their "Good American Boy" characters will live on in our memories.
Peggy Lehmann
Sylvania, Ohio
Ben Doty
January 17, 2011
David,thank you for all the many years of laughs,and enjoyment you,and Ozzie,Harriet,and Ricky have given to your countless T.V. fans!I grew up with the Nelson family and they were truly an inspiration .My heart felt condolences to Davids family. You are a part of Heaven now,but your legacy ,and that of the Nelsons will last an eternity. Love&Prayers.
donna monfette
January 17, 2011
I loved the Nelson Family, grew up watching them, everyshow. I am truly sorry for your loss. Donna Monfette, Adairville, KY.
Darlene Parker
January 17, 2011
I miss the Nelsons and loved watching each show as I was growing up. We need families like the Nelsons on television today. God bless you all...
January 17, 2011
ALWAYS LOVED WATCHING THE OZZIE AND HARRIET SHOW AND BOTH THE BOYS OUR LOSS.
January 17, 2011
YOU WILL NEVER SEE A GREAT FAMILY SHOW AS THE OZZIE AND HARRIET TV PROGRAM. DAVID YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
ALANA REID SLC UT
T Williams
January 17, 2011
So sorry for your loss... truly a great family show... you are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family...
Dave Schaller
January 17, 2011
Condolences go out to all the family. I grew up with TV's very first reality show. I never missed a show during the 50's & early 60's. Ozzie, Harriet, David & Ricky & even Doc & Stoney. Nothing today even comes close to being as good as their show.
Goodbye old friend, Dave Schaller
Lynn Sawicke
January 17, 2011
David and his family gave myself and my family endless hours of smiles and laughs. God Bless all of you and my deepest sympathy to all his family. Hope you all realize what kind of fantastic people that you "came from", meaning Ozzie AND Harriet. What beautiful people. Now the family is all together and hopefully Harriet has on her pearls and they are all sitting at the dinner table together forever. A Very Loyal Fan. Lynn S. Eagle River, Wisconsin
Nancy B
January 17, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss.My condolences to his family. I am sure he was a marvelous husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Thank you Ozzie and Harriet, David and Rick for hours of clean, home entertainment that families could share without censure!
Deborah Johns
January 17, 2011
I was so heart broken when I read the news of David's death. The Nelson family were true American Icons. What a great famly show. My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family. May God Bless
Alice
January 17, 2011
I had the distinct honor of working with David Nelson on feature movie productions he directed. David was a kind man with a winning smile and delightful sense of humor. A talented movie director who was soft spoken and still heard by all. It was indeed a pleasure have worked with him. I feel very lucky to have known him. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
darnell bond
January 17, 2011
i grew up watching ozzie and harriet show. may god be with your family at this time
linda saracen
January 17, 2011
I grew up watching your family now you are gone, but the nelsons will live in my heart till its my turn.Linda
January 17, 2011
Sorry for your loss Danny, Donna
Sue Coon
January 17, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person David was to all of you. All my family enjoyed watching him on televison.
Cherlena Pierce/Barrett
January 17, 2011
David lives on in all of his family members. Take comfort in knowing that now he is with you as a gaurdian ANGEL and is whatching over you each day. God bless each of you during this time of sorrow.
Portland, Oregon
Cherlena Pierce/Barrett
January 17, 2011
barbara fanning
January 17, 2011
such a loss. there will never be another show like the nelson's.rest in peace.and now you can all be together .
barbara fanning chandler texas
Laura Boniowski
January 17, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Nelson family and Dave's friends as well. I, too, enjoyed watching "Ozzie & Harriet" as a child.
Patty Petersen
January 17, 2011
I am so saddened at the death of David. I am a big fan of the Ozzie and Harriett shows. They were always entertaining. My condolances go out to his family and I pray that they will find peace and comfort at this time in their lives.
Patty Petersen
January 17, 2011
I am saddened at the death of David. I watched Ozzie and Harriett all the time. It was a very good show. My condolances go out to his family and I pray they will find peace and comfort at this time.
Larry
January 16, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. I have spent many years watching the Nelson shows. So many laughs,If the show came on now I will always watch it. It was a great show. God bless to you all
Rebecca Leach
January 16, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Nelson family. My siblings and I really enjoyed watching the show when we were youngsters.
Harold Spurling
January 16, 2011
I grew up watching "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and I still remember several episodes after all these years. Sorry for your lose may GOD Keep you Family in His care
Carole Moore
January 16, 2011
I grew up watching your show.....I now see Rick'2 daughter Tracie on TV....God is with you and your family....David,you are in a better place with your Savior.Carole (New Windsor Md)
Jack
January 16, 2011
Thank You David For The Menories Of The Good Ole Days
Judy Johnson
January 16, 2011
May you RIP. God how I remember watching you on TV. I still have some of your songs. I loved your singing. God Bless the Nelson Family
Judy From CT
Jane Newfield
January 16, 2011
January 16th, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Nelson family. The recollection of pure innocence from my childhood is now forever gone. May David rest in peace with the rest of his nuclear family as they are united together. May he walk along the path with the angels. My own 2 brothers mirrored the images of both David and Ricky, as they were the same ages and grew up in the same generation and were also born in New York. Thank you for giving us so many years of getting to really know you on the show that we all enjoyed watching.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the rest of David's family and may god give you the strength and perseverance to carry forward. Keep all your treasured memories stored up forever in your hearts.
Thank you for making all of us a part of your lives. It was a most wonderful ride all the way.
With Sincere Condolences,
S. Wood
January 16, 2011
I remember the episode where David got married. In short, Harriet tried to help them and thought she messed it up. So, Ozzie and she sneak back over to their apartment with their key to try to fix it but too late. They peak in the door to see David and his bride happily eating peas by candlelight for their supper.
Loved their show and miss that time in our country.
My condolences to his wife and all of his family for your loss. Together they are now and forever in our hearts they will always be.
Cessie
January 16, 2011
We will miss you, Dave. Now, all 4 of you are once again united on the other side of life. The Nelson legacy lives on in your children and grandchildren. May the good and wholesomeness of life carry on in them all. Rest well!
Linda Wilson
January 16, 2011
I grew up watching the Nelsons and now they are all together watching over u. My heart goes out to the family at this time
Bobbi Douglas
January 16, 2011
That really saddens me and my Dad died at 52 sorry for his wife and children...I love the show and maybe hes at a Garden Party with his brother and some ole friends
Sandra Lytle
January 16, 2011
HOW SAD IT IS FOR DAVID NELSON AND HIS FAMILY I WATCHED THEM WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MEMORIES AND LETTING EVERYONE IN YOUR HOME I LOVED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE WILL ALL MISS YOU DEARLY, SANDY FROM YUMA ARIZONA
Mona
January 16, 2011
America's favorite family. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace, dear David.
Carole
January 16, 2011
So much enjoyed the Nelson family on TV when I was growing up. Thanks for the memories.
Shane
January 16, 2011
Thank you David for sharing your family with us. God bless the Nelson family.
Eric Gray
January 16, 2011
thanks for all the good memories,God bless the Nelson family
Lori Hemmingsen-Souza
January 16, 2011
Oh how sad to hear this. I was just a little girl when I watched their shows and stilll remember how fun and wholesome they were. Bless him. Heart felt condolences to his family.
Lori from Sacramento, CA
M. Jones
January 16, 2011
May you be comforted by your memories of happier times.
January 16, 2011
Watched every episode as a high schooler in Genoa,Ohio. It was the greatest family show of our time, the good old late 50's and early 60's. God bless Jerry Gill Toledo, Ohio
Mona Crossland
January 16, 2011
I was a young girl in Anchorage,AK when David & Ricky came up with their aerial act. David came over and sat directly in front of me and talked to everyone on the bleachers. He was so nice and I had a crush on him for a long time.
David's passing is a great loss to not only his family but the American people. My prayers today are for the Nelson family as they mourn the loss of David.
Dee Piccard
January 16, 2011
To the Nelson family,
I grew up watching the show, my condolences to the family.
Jan
January 16, 2011
God Bless the Nelson Family. They gave us all a lot of themselves every week, and have been through a lot over the years. Thank you.
PEGGY WILSON
January 16, 2011
GREW UP WATCHING A GREAT FAMILY SHOW...SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF THIS FAMILY
Rhonda Cole
January 16, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Diane Spradley
January 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family. I grew up watching the Ozzie and Harriet. I wish they had more shows like that.
JoAnn
January 16, 2011
So sad to read this, I loved watching the Nelsons, They will be sadly missed. My sympathy to the Nelson Family
January 16, 2011
my deepest sympathy to the nelson family.what a good show ozzie and harriet .thank you for lots of great entertainment. rest in peace david barbara from chandler tx.
Vicki Smart
January 16, 2011
Rest in Peace, David. And thank you for being a part of something sweet, innocent and just good. We all enjoyed getting to be a "part of the Nelson family" each week.
Pat
January 16, 2011
God Bless and Comfort the Nelson Family. Thanks for the memories!
Donna Gerhart
January 15, 2011
To the wife & children of David,
My family grew up watching the Nelsons. Great show and a great family. If they only had shows like this now. I saw Ricky Nelson at Shartlesville, PA back in the 80's. The next thing I heard about him was that he died. Please accept my sympathy for the loss of David Nelson.
Linda Nash
January 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Nelson family. I grew up watching Ozzie and Harriet. Didn't miss an episode. Now they will all be together again. Very special angels looking down on their loved ones.
Coco & Carlo Giancana
January 15, 2011
My daughters Francine & Carla have an autographed photo of David that has hung in one of our restaurants for the past 15 years. My husband Carlo loved when David and his family stopped in to eat and share funny stories over dessert. May he rest in peace, our sympathy to his family.
PORTIA BASHAM
January 15, 2011
You have my deepest condolences. David was great actor and family man. Rest in peace David. You will be deeply missed.PORTIA BASHAM KNOXVILLE
Amelia Wall
January 15, 2011
Memories, of how very sweet life use to be. That's what I remember about the Nelson family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Faye Wise
January 15, 2011
As a younger girl,I watched The Ozzie And Harriet Show for years. I want to express my deepest sympathy to his family.
Bobbie Nix
January 15, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family. I grew up watching the show Ozzie and Harriet. Thank you so much for entertaining us week after week with your wonderful show. We will never forget the good old days.
Showing 1 - 100 of 774 results
Make a Donation
in David Nelson's name
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored