Edward P. Nelson

1930 - 2023

Edward P Nelson
October 11, 1930 - January 28, 2023
Edward P. Nelson, born in Hartford, CT, on October 11, 1930 left his earthly home on January 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Rudy B. and Lucile (Hartung) Nelson, his brother Rudy, his wife Lucie (Hart), his son David and daughter Teri Ann Bennett. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terry and sisters Marie Bugbee and Kay Nelson. He also is survived by his children, Leslie Nelson, Emily (John) Rich and Ed, Jr. He was father to Lori Feliciano, Lisa Feliciano-Coron (Chris); grandfather to eight grandchildren, Daniel Cummings, Lindsay Cummings Anderson (Jarrod) and Bobby, Willie and Melissa Nelson, Denise Misovec, Chris Patti (Abby) and Jeffrey Patti. Also, great-grandchildren: Christopher Anderson, Charisma (Misovec) Schaut, (Lincoln), Joseph Misovec, Jack Misovec, Sean, Lucy and Noah Lackey. He graduated from Bulkeley High School, Hartford, CT in 1948 and joined the Air National Guard. His service time was spent entirely at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, MA. There, he worked as a radar operator and a dental tech. His tour was during the Korean War and he was honorably discharged with an "excellent" notation in 1950. When the war ended, he went into business with his dad, who was a master mechanic for Pratt-Whitney. Their first garage in Old Lyme, CT was in a rented building. The business soon outgrew the capabilities of that site. The second garage was designed and built, also in Old Lyme, as an auto and marine business. His third and last place of business was in Old Saybrook, which he designed and subsequently bought his father's share of the business and expanded it to include Saab and Subaru franchises. Now, with two franchises and a very busy repair shop, he had to employ a full staff of office, parts and service departments. During this very busy and challenging time, he was able to become a Justice of the Peace for the State of CT and carve out time to follow his childhood dream of owning and flying planes. He also built an airboat and raised his family and the children of his second marriage. Also, during this time, he purchased 3 acres overlooking the CT river and designed and built a house. He ran the Old Saybrook Dealership, Nelson Motors, until 1983 - after having sold Saabs for 30 years and having the distinction of being the holder of the earliest Saab franchise in CT. He sold the dealership and retired to pursue another dream of buying and sailing the 36' Nonsuch, Susannah, in the western Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, both coasts of FL and the east coast from mile marker 0 in Key West to Boston Harbor. In 2001, after selling the last property in CT, he and Terry moved to Saint Augustine, FL, a favorite stop during their 10 sailing years. There, Ed's hobby was restoring outboard engines and he won many awards for exceptional restorations. He became interested in a 1930 Model A Ford, which he mechanically restored to the same excellence that had been done on the exterior by the previous owner. He flew remote control airplanes at Parker Field in Elkton, FL as a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics {AMA} from 2012 to 2020 when his health was failing. His wisdom and sense of humor will be deeply missed by his loved ones and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. The family will be having a private celebration of life at a later date.