Charles Richard Nelson

Charles Richard Nelson, affectionately known as "Dick" passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 91. He was born on October 26, 1934 to Dr. Nathaniel (Ned) Nelson and Elsie (Yaffee) Nelson, in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent his entire childhood.
He graduated with a history degree from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and then went on to get his MBA from NYU. He worked in the cosmetics industry in Manhattan for many years for companies like Chanel and Dior before becoming the President and US Distributor of the Swiss nail care line, Mavala, where his sales reps loved and respected him as an honest and fair leader. He later moved his family to the suburbs and spent many years in Emerson, New Jersey and Washington Township in Bergen County.
Dick was a loving and devoted husband for more than 61 years to Judith (Calkins) Nelson, had two adoring daughters, Jennifer (Jorge) Nelson (husband, Anselm) and Meredith Nelson Blackwell (husband, Ric), and 6 grandchildren who he loved and adored more than anything...Taylor, Owen, Charlie and Drew Blackwell, and Finn and Isola Doering. He never missed a chance to spend time with them, whether it was attending a performance, recital or sporting event, or just having dinner out at a favorite restaurant or grilling in his backyard. He loved doing arts and crafts and passing on his love of art and creativity to his grandkids, always honored to make them the best Halloween costume, or just spend quiet time with them, painting and drawing. He was also the ultimate handyman..there was nothing he couldn't fix or put together!
Dick's older brother, Elliot, passed away in 2025 at the age of 95, and he often spoke about how much he missed him, so it brings us much comfort that they are now reunited in heaven.
Dick was a kind, patient, and gentle soul who loved spending time with his family and friends, all of whom cherished him and will miss him endlessly.
He will be remembered at a private service and memorial celebration of life.