Eric Aaron Nelson, 61, passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2019. He was born on May 6, 1957 in Portland, Maine, the eldest son of Aaron and Leah Nelson. He spent much of his childhood in Santa Cruz, California. He received a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture, both from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Eric's career was dedicated to making communities in Western Massachusetts better. A skilled landscape architect and economic development professional, he worked at SVE Associates and most recently served as the President & CEO of WestMass Area Development Corporation based in Chicopee, MA. He had a particular passion for revitalizing historic mills and led the redevelopment of the Ludlow Mills project in Ludlow, MA.

Eric was well known in Ashfield, his home for the past 26 years. He served in several volunteer roles including membership on the Local Education Council, the Ashfield Conservation Commission and the Ashfield Planning Board. Among his many efforts, he helped lead the work to rebuild the high school baseball field. He also coached Little League baseball for many years when his sons were young.

Eric loved Maine, his ancestral home, and vacationed at beloved Pequawket Lake his whole life where many family members gathered each summer. Eric loved gardening, fishing and baseball and was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a "people person," always eager to share a handshake and a laugh with anyone he met. He will always be remembered for his warm smile and kind-hearted attitude. He loved making others laugh and was always eager to help his friends and his community.

Eric is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Margaret (Peggy) M. Sloan and his beloved sons, Aaron Samuel Nelson and Samuel Sloan Nelson. He is also survived by his sister Carol Petrea Nelson and brother-in-law Craig Freshley of Brunswick, Maine, his brother Mark Anders Nelson of Portland, Oregon, and his nieces, Dana Freshley, Sara Freshley, Jessica Herman, Alanna Herman and Jenna Sloan.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ashfield, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin Land Trust, 5 Mechanic Street, PO Box 450, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 or St. John's Episcopal Church, 469 Main Street, PO Box 253, Ashfield, MA 01330.

Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls assisted the family. To send a heartfelt message to Eric's family, please visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Recorder on Apr. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Nelson

16 Entries

Rebecca Hayman

September 29, 2025

I'm so sorry to read that Eric had passed away. We were very good friends when he was at Santa Cruz High School, and I was sorry when he left. Our fathers were both administrators there at the same time, but I attended a different high school.

I've been trying to find him for years. He was a highlight of my high school days, and always the funniest guy in the room.

I lost track of him in 1978, when life got busy. I'm happy to hear he was blessed with a loving wife and a couple of sons.

Please know he was a wonderful person. I'm sorry I wasn't better about keeping in touch, but so glad to hear he had a great life.

Cece Dion Kendrick

April 14, 2025

Eric came to join us at Fitchburg High School (Massachusetts) for his senior year. He was the fun-loving, outgoing, long-haired California beach boy from Santa Cruz, the son of our new Principal. Eric was friendly and fit right in! The next year he and I both went to UMass Amherst and had fun freshmen times on the big campus. With 25,000 students we lost touch, and I found his obituary last summer while trying to locate former classmates for our upcoming 50th FHS Class Reunion this year. Eric will be remembered fondly with others who are paving the way to heaven for the rest of us. I was saddened by his loss and share loving condolences to his family. Cece Dion Kendrick

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

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Jane Bailey Piccininni

May 2, 2019

Very sad to hear of Eric's passing. My parents had a camp on Pequawket in the same cove as his grandmother Rachel. Knew Eric and his cousin Dave White very well. Had some fun times on that lake! My sympathies to you all.

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Sara Northrup, PE

April 29, 2019

So sorry to hear. I was proud to work with and for him at Westmass, he inspired me and others. He was so great at communicating and creating a positive vision for the public good. A true professional and a gentleman.

Geoffrey and Kathryn Precourt

April 27, 2019

Nobody better.

So lucky and proud to have had Eric, Peggy, Aaron, and Sam in our lives and, not so incidentally, shared three World Series championships in our shared slice of Ashfield.

Scott Maenpaa

April 26, 2019

It was a pleasure to have known & worked with Eric on the Ludlow Mill #10 renovation. He had a passion for the historical site and its buildings. He was instrumental in its re-development. Deepest sympathies to the entire family.

Richie Davis

April 25, 2019

Peggy,
I'm so sorry to learn of Eric's tasing. He always struck me as a very warm and kind-hearted person. My sincere condolences.

Joseph Nowak

April 24, 2019

Peggy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Love can not die, memories never can be erased, and one's passing is not always understood. May your beloved Husband,father, and best friend rest peacefully and the Lord's gentle and caring hands. With sorrow, Joseph J. Nowak, Adams,MA

Karen Pilon

April 23, 2019

Deepest sympathies to the entire family; I first met Eric when I worked at Staples, doing copy and print work for Westmass and also as Secretary of the Ludlow Historical Commission, we got to know his passion for the mills. He will be missed.

April 22, 2019

Peggy,
So sorry of your loss.My prayers are with you.

Alice Houghtaling

..My

Daniel Dodge

April 22, 2019

Eric was a extremely gifted individual that always shared his knowledge and gave so much time to anyone that showed any interest.

I have only known Eric for a little over two years but was very touched by the way he carried himself and always put people first in all he did.

Eric will be greatly missed.

GOD Bless Eric and his family.

You are all in our prayers.

Joline Webber

April 20, 2019

I'M VERY SAD TO LEARN OF Eric's passing. He was a very special friend. I have wonderful memories of Eric and his parents, Aaron and Leah.

Lois Stearns

April 20, 2019

Peggy, I'm so sorry to learn of Eric's passing. My sympathy to you and your sons.
May your fond memories help sustain you at this time.

Mark Berson

April 20, 2019

With great sadness I learned of Erics passing. I worked with him while he worked in Greenfield . I also was his client. Eric always found a way to get it done. He was a straight arrow. I am terribly sorry for your loss. May peace be with you all. Please know he made a difference. Mark I. Berson

April 20, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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