Alfred Turner NELSON M.D.

NELSON, MD , Alfred Turner On August 12, 2012, Alfred Turner Nelson, MD passed away. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 29, 1920 to Wilbur O. Nelson and Jennye E. Turner Nelson, and was the beloved husband of Rosa Lee Herr Nelson for 69 years. He was the father of Gail Victoria Nelson Harvey (David Harvey) and Alfred Turner Nelson Jr (Debra Sass Nelson) and the grandfather of James Daniel Harvey, Christopher Edward Nelson, William Turner Nelson, and Thomas Nelson Harvey. He was the brother of Wilbur O. Nelson Jr (1916-2011). He served his country bravely in the Naval Medical Corps in the Pacific from 1942 until 1946, serving as the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Greene. Upon returning from the War he established his medical practice in Anesthesia at the University of Maryland, rising to Chairman of the Anesthesia Department from 1948 until 1952. He then practiced at Women's Hospital which became Greater Baltimore Medical Center, where he became Chief of Anesthesia and the fifth Chief of Staff of the hospital. Upon his retirement in 1988 he was honored with the establishment of the Annual Alfred T. Nelson M.D. Professorship Lecture Series. At his retirement ceremony, he was described as "a consummate leader, even-handed and calm. Diligent in his preparation, he dedicated himself to keeping abreast of his changing profession." He was a man of many interests. Sailing with family and friends on the Chesapeake was a particular passion as was his love of classical music. Having grown up surrounded by music his particular love was opera, which he would spend long hours discussing with his brother Wilbur. He was a graduate of Catonsville High School where he met his lifelong sweetheart and wife Rosa Lee. He did his undergraduate work at the the University of Southern California and the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from the University of Maryland. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and former colleagues for his kind and caring nature and his joyful laughter.
The funeral will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 2 PM at Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland in the Chapel.