Charles E. Nelson

FAYETTE/WATERLOO–Friends are remembering Charles E. Nelson as a humble man with a bemused smile who waited in the background to lend a helping hand to his late wife, Sharon, and daughter, Katie, at Girl Scout and 4-H events, Empire Farm Days and the Seneca County and New York State fairs. Nelson, 76, died Saturday (March 9, 2019) at Strong Memorial Hospital, with his loving daughter by his side.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fayette Historical Society, P.O. Box 108, Fayette, NY, 13065 or Beverly's Animal Shelter, 50 E. River St., Waterloo, NY, 13165.

Nelson was born Nov. 22, 1942, in Geneva, N.Y., the son of Charles Lauren and Beth Heloise Mosher Nelson. He earned a Regents diploma from Waterloo Central School in 1960, where he received the Bausch & Lomb Science Award. During high school, he participated in Science Club, Rifle Club, stage crew, and year book staff. He also took a drafting class where he designed and created the blueprints of the home, which he would later build in Fayette with assistance from family and friends. Nelson earned an Associates Degree in Diesel Technology from State University Agricultural & Technical Institute in 1963. While in college he met Sharon Norman, both actively involved behind the scenes of drama club. The couple would marry in October 1964. Charles was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Communications Security while stationed in Phu Lam, Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. For many years he was employed with Sylvania in Seneca Falls, later known as Phillips ECG, from which he retired in 1986. Following his retirement, he became the supervisor for the Junius Waste Water Treatment Plant. After the death of his wife, Sharon, in 2015, he served as an Elections Inspector for the Town of Fayette. Nelson was a member of Seneca County 4-H Horse Program with his horse, Chubby for several years, and also participated in the 4-H rabbits and pheasants raising programs. He enjoyed attending the New York State Fair to watch horse pulling events, riding and driving competitions, and music and performing acts. Nelson was an avid reader and enjoyed doing word puzzles. He was a railroad enthusiast, enjoyed watching baseball on TV, and was fascinated by history especially local, and of the Finger Lakes and New York. He also enjoyed supporting the Finger Lakes Wine Industry. Most of all Nelson enjoyed taking day trips with his family and friends. He looked forward to spending time at the family cottage on Shady Beach in Fayette, where he enjoyed boating and fishing. An avid animal lover, he was happiest spending time with his cats, Luna and Midnight and dog, Sam.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine A. Nelson of Waterloo; his mother, Beth H. Nelson of Waterloo; and sister, Kathleen R. Nelson of Waterloo; and very special family friends, Allen and Patricia Gessner, Larry Schell, Robert Schubel, and Fred Hacker and Patricia Thayer.

Nelson was predeceased by his father; and brother, David Paul Nelson.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com.