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Gilbert Nelson Obituary
AGE: 69 • New Brunswick
Gilbert Lee Nelson was born to Gilbert L. Nelson, Sr. and Lillian A. McCargo Nelson on October 5, 1942 in Princeton, New Jersey. Gil spent his childhood in New Brunswick, where he graduated from the public school system in 1960 and later returned to live and work.
After high school, Mr. Nelson entered Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he studied government and graduated in 1964. In 1967, he received a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C. and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1968. Mr. Nelson was Middlesex County's first African-American lawyer and was one of only 60 black attorneys in New Jersey in 1968. In 1969, he was sworn in as Middlesex County's first African-American Assistant Prosecutor. Mr. Nelson maintained a private law practice in New Brunswick from 1968 to 1987. Mr. Nelson served as New Brunswick's City Attorney from 1974 through 1985 and as Mayor of New Brunswick in 1978. In 1987, he launched his own private consulting business. Mr. Nelson worked with non-profit clients on urban development initiatives in New Brunswick and in neighboring Newark, New Jersey.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter Jessica Nelson-Clark; his step-daughter Christine Cave; his son-in-law Frank Clark II; his granddaughters Lillian Clark and Sophia Scheulov; his Aunt Betty and Uncle James Scott; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
A memorial service in celebration of Mr. Nelson's life will take place on Saturday, January 7th 2012, 11 a.m. at Christ Church, located at 5 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made "in memory of Gilbert L. Nelson" to the National Medical Association (NMA) c/o Continued Research for Malignant Melanoma, 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 920, Silver Spring, MD 20910." Arrangements are by Anderson Funeral Service, New Brunswick.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Nelson
January 4, 2012
A High School friend. One of the Good Guys. The World is sadly diminshed without him.
Bob Gottlieb and Family
Anne & Angelo Marcantonio
December 31, 2011
Dear Mary & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences - we will forever remember the laughter and fun Gil gave us over the years - he will be sadly missed. But no more pain... or suffering... He's at rest now. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Wendy Benjamin
December 28, 2011
Mary, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. I sincerely empathize with your loss at this time of the year.
Jeanette Wilson
December 26, 2011
To the Nelson Family
My prayers are with the family during the lost of your love one. My memory of Gilbert Nelson was that of great RESPECT. The Nelson Family will be in my prayers forever.
December 26, 2011
Dear Aunt Mary, Christine, Jessica and families:
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all as you spend your first christmas without unlce Gil - I miss him too.
Love you guys
Olayinka
sherri kopp
December 24, 2011
Our prayers are with the Nelson family as you mourn the loss of Gilbert. We at Favorites OTW will miss him dearly. He is at peace now.
Linda Blackburn
December 24, 2011
Mary and Family,
You and your family are in our prayers.
Our deepest condolences,
Linda Blackburn
Associates - Central NJ Jack and Jill
Linda Bell Blackburn
Gloria & Greg Maddux
December 23, 2011
Dear Mary, Christine, Jessica and Family,
My heart is heavy as I read about your lost. You are in my prayers and thoughts, especially during this Holy Christmas Season. Peace & Love.
Wini Jennings & family
December 23, 2011
To the family
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Robert,Evelyn M Blount
December 23, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
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