Gibson Haste Nelson

Gibson Haste Nelson

Middletown

Gibson Haste Nelson, of Middletown, New Jersey, known to his friends and family as "Gib," passed away in the loving presence of his family on Monday, November 5, 2012. Gib was born on November 25, 1937 in Westfield, New Jersey to Helen Nelson, née Hetzer and Godfrey Nicholas Nelson. A 1955 graduate of Scotch Plains High School, Gib also attended the Newark College of Engineering, where he studied mechanical engineering, and Union County Vocational and Technical Institute.

Gib was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as an armament munitions specialist from 1956 until 1960, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Airman Second Class.

Gib's diverse work experience reflected his versatility with all things mechanical and electrical, from his munitions work in the Air Force, to supervising the servicing of adding machines and typewriters at Olivetti Corporation, to servicing food processing equipment at New Brunswick Saw and other companies, and ultimately as an electrical contractor at the AT&T Basking Ridge headquarters site. Gib was a Licensed Electrical Contractor in the State of New Jersey and also worked as an independent contractor with his own firm.

Gib married Jacqueline M. Nelson on December 19th, 1969, helped to raise his three step sons and formed a happy home together in Westfield and North Plainfield. Together they enjoyed a summer home in Ocean Beach, New Jersey, where Gib served on the Membership Board. He was a frequent sight for those that lived and vacationed there, freely volunteering his time to help care for his beloved shore community. Gib also enjoyed golf, watching the Yankees, restoring old homes with his daughters-in-law, and spending time with his grandchildren, helping them with various school and club projects.

Gib is survived by his wife, Jacqueline M. Nelson of Middletown, New Jersey, his brothers, Richard Nelson of Spring Lake, New Jersey and William Nelson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, his step sons and daughters-in-law, Mark D. and Christine Adams Beckett of Montclair, New Jersey, David S. Beckett of Brooklyn, New York, Adam S. and Suzanne Galvin Beckett of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and his five beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Ford, Hannah Woods, Jack Harrison, Lillian Grace and Samuel Adams Beckett. He was predeceased by his two half-brothers, Frederick Petersen and David Nelson.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Gray Funeral Home, 318 East Broad Street, in Westfield, New Jersey on Saturday, November 17th. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with the service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to The Ocean Beach and Bay Club, Inc. Gib Nelson Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund would be lovingly appreciated. Checks can be mailed to Ocean Beach and Bay Club, PO Box 245, Lavallette, New Jersey 08735.