Nelson, Robert R.
Oct. 4, 1924 - May 9, 2012
Robert R. Nelson, of Sarasota, age 87, joined his late brother, Chas, and son, Robert W., while in the care of his wife, Mollie. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home, love of a large family, and the caress of a gentle gulf coastal breeze.
Robert was born in Atlantic City, NJ, but raised a Philly boy. After service during WWII in the Army Air Corps, attending Kent State, and beginning a career in radio, Mr. Nelson moved to Bradenton in 1957 with his late wife F. Bette and family.
Robert did not begin as a man of means and worked hard for everything he accomplished. In the process he became a respected entrepreneur and a pioneer of broadcasting in our area. He founded the radio stations WBRD-AM, WDUV-FM, and later began the first television station in
Sarasota: channel 40 WXLT-TV.
His friends and family remember him most for always giving of himself.
He could never say no to a loved one. Throughout his life he was a generous philanthropist to local causes.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Mollie B. Nelson; daughter, Christine Todd of Myakka City; son, Ryan Farley of Culpeper, VA; daughter, Kayla Nelson of Sarasota; and six loving grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He had a blessed life.
Visitation will be held This evening from 5-8PM at the Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Colonial Chapel. Funeral services will be Sunday, 3PM at the First Baptist Church, Sarasota.
In honor of Robert and his passion for flying, a Celebration of Life Hangar Party will be held on June 9th, 2012 at 5pm at Dolphin Aviation, 8191 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. Please RSVP to Ryan at 941-266-3057.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, 1515 S. Osprey Ave., Suite B4, Sarasota, FL 34239, and First Baptist Church, 1670 Main St., Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Published in Herald Tribune from May 12 to May 13, 2012
