Charles R. Nelson

GREEN - Charles R. Nelson, 80, of Green Township, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at home.

Born and raised in Tranquility, Charlie was a lifelong Sussex County resident. He was a graduate of Newton High School.

A United States Navy veteran, Charlie served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1955. He was a machine operator for Westinghouse Elevator Corp. in Randolph for 20 years before his retirement and also worked for Green Township Municipality from 1995 to 2007. Charlie was an avid woodworker who enjoyed spending time in his workshop making crafts and furniture for family and friends.

The son of the late Carl and Anna (Wallsten) Nelson, Charlie also was predeceased by his wife, Ethel D. (Swenson) Nelson; his sisters, Mildred Shuster and Ina Utter; and his brothers, Carl Nelson, Albert Nelson and Emil (Mike) Nelson. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Nelson, of Newton; his son, Rick Nelson and wife, Karen, of Pen Argyl, Pa.; his son, Bill Nelson and wife, Brenda, of Handsome Hollows, N.Y.; his granddaughter, Lauren Nelson, of Forks Township, Pa.; and his sister, Helen Powell, of Frankford Township.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton. Interment will follow in Tranquility Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860; or Allamuchy-Green Rescue Squad, 25 Maple Ave., Andover, NJ 07821.

Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.