Charles Thornton Nelson

BERLIN - Charles T. Nelson, 83, son of Charles and Marjorie (Parker) Nelson, of Berlin passed away on July 12, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lynda (Zuckerman) Nelson, brother Richard of Mesa, AZ, and sister-in-law Judi (Zuckerman) Chaskes of Pembroke. He was predeceased by sister-in-law Elaine and nephew Joseph of Mesa, AZ.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, David and Laura of Princeton and Glenn and Barbara of Berlin, MA; one daughter Sarah and her partner Ken, of Dedham, ME; granddaughter Haley of Gloucester, and grandson Noah, as well as nephew Dan Chaskes and nieces Jennifer (Chaskes) Johnson, Rachel Nelson, and Abigail (Nelson) Weigele.

He graduated Hudson High School in 1959 and Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass in 1961. Charlie’s lifelong love of airplanes led him to join the Central Mass Radio Control Modelers, where he enjoyed flying and teaching, and served as a Club President. He was inducted into the R/C Scale Hall of Fame in July 2025. Charles (Skip) was employed for many years as a master mechanic at R. Bates & Sons in Clinton. Earlier he worked as a mechanic for the Providence & Worcester Railroad and served as a volunteer fireman in Berlin. Charlie was well known for knowing how to fix almost anything and was a mentor to family, friends, and coworkers alike.

After his retirement, Skip and Lynda enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, AZ with many close friends in their community. Charlie joined an airplane club in AZ and soon became an instructor there.

A celebration of life will take place July 20, 1:00-3:00 pm at 19 Carter in Berlin. A family graveside ceremony is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care at www.vnacare.org

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds.” High Flight, Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.