Michael Jay Nelson

Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (NIV)
Michael Jay Nelson, of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 70, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Born on February 15, 1955, in Pittsburgh, Michael-known affectionately as "Jay" to family and friends-was a thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate man with a deep love of people, ideas, and connection. After attending Lemington Elementary and St. Edmund's Academy in Pittsburgh, he graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1972, where he ran cross country and played basketball and baseball. He went on to attend Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, later transferring to Duquesne University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1976.
Jay began his career as a journalist for a local Penn Hills newspaper before joining UnitedHealthcare, where he worked in claims adjusting for 35 years. He was well regarded by his colleagues for his diligence, warmth, and steady presence.
An avid athlete throughout his life, Jay was a devoted tennis player who competed in the Pittsburgh city leagues for many years. He also ran in the Pittsburgh Marathon multiple times, a testament to his quiet determination. He loved all things sports-especially cheering for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, and Duquesne and Pitt college basketball and football teams.
Jay had a lifelong love of theater and music, and his appreciation for culture, storytelling, and human expression was deep and enduring. Spiritually grounded and gentle in nature, he believed it was more important to live like Christ than to speak constantly of Him. His kindness, humility, and sincere interest in others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a diligent son who cared for his mom faithfully 3 times a week until she passed away. He often took her to plays and concerts as her vision faded, enriching her life. He found purpose in helping people navigate their health care issues as he encountered them through his work at UHC.
His mother and father, Russell E. Sr. and Mary Ellen, as well as his brothers, Kenneth G. DeHonney, Jr., Russell E. Nelson, Jr. and Richard E. DeHonney, Sr. preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Charles E. Nelson (Pamela); sisters-in-law, Donna Nelson (Russell E. Jr.) and Iva Kelly (Kenneth); nieces, Kimberly DeHonney Wilson and Crystal Marie Lawson; nephews, Richard E. DeHonney, Jr., Joshua DeHonney, Eric C. Nelson, and Stephen N. Nelson; as well as a number of cousins and extended family. Jay will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate to know and love him.
A memorial service in Jay's honor will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. the House of Law, 2555 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, PA 15146.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (https://give.awaacc.org/donate) in Pittsburgh, to honor Jay's memory and his enduring love for culture, the arts, and the human spirit.
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