Nelson Abreu

Nelson Abreu, 80, passed away peacefully at Platinum Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Melbourne on August 2nd, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Jan Boles Shaffer, daughters Rebecca and Maggie Abreu and numerous siblings, nieces and nephews. Nelson was predeceased by his first wife of 35 years, Janet Stern Abreu and his parents, Elsa Abreu and Miguel Amado Vega. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, he immigrated to New York City when he was 12. After high school, he played local and minor league baseball and served two years in the Army in Viet Nam. Nelson earned a BA and MS from the City College of New York and an MA from Columbia University. For 29 years he served as an educator and principal at Intermediate School PS 166 in the Bronx. Nelson loved music, camping, running, golfing, fishing, languages, history, reading, traveling and gardening. Nelson's final resting place will be in the Dominican Republic. Memorials for scholarships may be sent to the Leopold Schepp Foundation, (950 3rd Avenue, Suite 3100, New York, NY 10022). This organization supported Nelson in achieving his educational goals.