Earl Nelson

Earl L. Nelson PORTSMOUTH - Earl Lloyd Nelson, 76, died Oct. 24, 2010. Mr. Nelson was born in Altoona, Pa., and moved to Portsmouth in 1940 where he lived the remainder of his life. During those early years he served on the Western Branch Volunteer Fire Department's board of officers and also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War for four years. He was active in the printing industry since 1951. He was a former employee and owner of Graphico Inc. and later was employed by G.E. Richards Company. He was a member of Moose Lodge No. 898 and had served on its ritual team and its board of officers. He was a member of the board of officers for the Printing Industries of Virginia, Graphic Arts Supply and Equipment Dealers of America, and the Arts and Marketing Executives Association. He attended St. Paul's Catholic Church. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, big heart, and devotion to his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Helen Smith Nelson; two daughters, Julie Leone and husband Bob, Kathy Noblin and husband Jeff; two sons, Ken Nelson and wife Barbara, Bill Nelson and wife Stacy; a sister, Janet N. Jeffers; six grandchildren, Jesse, Greg, Kimmy, Matt, Tommy and Sara. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Mary E. "Becky" Nelson and was predeceased recently by a son, Robert V. Nelson. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, in St. Paul's Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. Friends may join the family Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Portsmouth Catholic Regional School or St. Paul's Catholic Church Restoration Fund.