Larry Edward Nelson

1946 - 2024

BRISTOL

Larry Edward Nelson, 78, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3rd, with his family by his side. Born August 8th, 1946, in Burlington, VT, to the late Hedley and Catherine (Rouille) Nelson. The son of a truck driver, Larry spent much of his childhood on the road exploring the country. Following his graduation from Bristol Eastern High School in 1964, Larry went on to serve in the US Navy, aboard the U.S.S Randolph during the Vietnam War and later the Army Reserves for a total of 17 years. After active service, Larry worked for Eversource (formerly CL&P) as a lineman and retired as a Manager after 37 years and a Plymouth, CT Police Officer for 17 years. A man who had a passion for service, he supported his community in many roles, including as a Referee for Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, and the Special Olympics. He was an advocate for education serving as a Board Member for Saint Matthew School, where he practiced as a dedicated parishioner. Larry was a proud member of the Bristol Elks Lodge and the American Legionhe enjoyed playing Bingo at the Elks, more so when he won. With a larger than life personality, Larry naturally formed friendships wherever he went, no one was a stranger to him. With the gift of gab, he enjoyed bringing people together. He made others feel seen, heard, and always loved. He found peace in quiet moments of bird watching his beloved Cardinals, Blue Jays, and in his later years, Squirrels. Most of all he loved his family. Larry was proud of the home he built with his wife, Anne, watching his family grow and find their own paths in life as their Papu. Larry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Anne and his daughters Kristen Giantonio and husband Joe Giantonio, Kimberly Snyder, Kari Nelson, Heather LoNero and son Darren Clark. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Mia Giantonio, Matthew Snyder, McKenzie Clark, Nathan Dembik, Kaitlyne Clark, Courtney Clark, Isabella LoNero, and many nieces and nephews. The oldest of 6 children, Larry is also survived by his brothers Robert Nelson, James Nelson and sister Brenda (Nelson) Laperuta. He is predeceased by brothers William Nelson and Donald Nelson. He leaves too many friends to mention and will be missed by all. Larry and his family extend sincere thanks for the dedicated Nurses and Doctors that supported him over the last several years with compassion. Special thanks to UCONN Cardiology and Tammy and Smitas, of Bristol Hospice. Due to Larry's big, passionate heart and his love for all people and causes, donations in his name can be made to a charity or your choice or the Bristol Elks Lodge #1010 in lieu of flowers. Calling hours will be held on Friday November 8, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. directly at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Bristol, followed by a procession to Holy Family Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol for his committal services with military honors. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Larry's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com

Larry Edward Nelson