Joseph Aloysius "Joe" Neilson

1926 - 2019

Joseph Aloysius Neilson "Joe", age 92, passed away January 24, 2019 at Carolinas Medical Center Main, after a brief illness, with wife Phyllis by his side.

A second generation Charlotte native and the oldest of 6, he was born April 3, 1926 in Mercy Hospital to Alexander Joseph and Etta Catherine Jones Neilson. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Phyllis Gail Naughton Neilson; children: Catherine Rebecca Smith, Marianne Elizabeth Neilson, John Kieran and wife Donna, Kevin Alexander, and Brian Patrick; siblings: Father Kieran Neilson, OSB (Paddy), Kathleen Potter, Mary Ann Frantz and husband Edward, Patricia Neilson; sister-in-law, Carrie Nell Neilson; many nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and close friend and neighbor, Fran Ryck

In addition to his parents, Joe is predeceased by brother, John Melchior (Johnny); son, Brendan Joseph; father and mother-in-Law, Clifton Bonaventure and Rebecca Marietta Athey Naughton (Betty); brothers-in-law: The Honorable Judge Robert D. Potter, Clifton Bonaventure Naughton Jr., and William Joseph Naughton (Billy); son-in-law, Ronald Emerson Smith, and granddaughter, April Marie Neilson

A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 30th at 10:30 am at St. Patrick's Cathedral by the Very Reverend Christopher A. Roux; concelebrate will be Father Kieran Neilson, OSB. Reception will follow in the Family Life Center. Interment will be at Belmont Abbey cemetery.

Joe grew up in Dilworth where he continued to live until his death. He was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Patrick's Cathedral where he attended O'Donoghue Catholic School (now St. Patrick's School).

Upon graduation from Central High School in 1944, he enlisted in the US Navy, and served in the Pacific during World War II on board Destroyer Escort USS Hastings DE-19 (8/44 - 5/45). Following his mother's death, he returned to duty on board Rescue Salvage ship USS Oppertune ARS-41 (6/45 - 8/46). Joe loved serving in the Navy, and spoke highly of the friends he made at sea and the Navy chow.

Upon graduation from Belmont Abbey College in 1948 where he played end alongside his brother Johnny under coach "Humpy" Wheeler, he joined the US Postal Service and continued there until his retirement in 1986. In 1953, he joined F. W. Dodge Reports as a part-time reporter and later with the Charlotte News until 1979.

While attending Belmont Abbey College, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Gail Naughton, who was attending Sacred Heart College at the time, and whom he married on October 22, 1948. Joe said that while in sociology class, he kicked the back of her chair to get her attention. Phyllis said when she turned around to see who was annoying her; she was attracted to his blue eyes. They spent 70 happy years together and raised 6 children. They provided lifelong love and support for one another and one would rarely see them apart. Together, they volunteered at the Charlotte Homeless Shelter and for Meals on Wheels.

First and foremost, Joe was a family man. Loving, thoughtful, and unassuming. Joe was a gentleman, devoted husband, big brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, In-Law, and uncle who loved his family, his church, his Irish heritage, the Fighting Irish, travel in the US and abroad, the North Carolina mountains, a good joke or innocent prank, driving automobiles, home cooking, long walks, visiting roadway construction sites, and a warm fire.

The family is very thankful to the doctors and nurses in CMC's 7th floor Cardiac ICU, the 9th floor Neurological ICU, and the 11th floor Cardiac Telemetry Unit for their excellent care, and compassion for Joe. And we are very thankful to the Charlotte Region Hospice & Palliative Care for Andrew Hall's love, advice, and support.

Arrangements are in the care of JB Tallent Funeral Services. On-line condolences may be shared at www.tallentfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe's honor to Holy Angels Nursery, Belmont N.C. www.holyangelsnc.org.