Peter J. Nelson

Peter J. Nelson, age 77 years, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy filled with talent, service, and cherished memories. Born in Trenton, NJ, Peter was the son of the late Alexander M. and Florence I. (Delaney) Nelson. He grew up in Pennington, NJ, before settling in Delaware Township, NJ, where he resided for the last 40 years.

Peter devoted 45 years of his life to the trade of machinist and tool and die maker, getting his start in the family machine shop. He showcased his craftsmanship in his role of mechanical engineer at Benton Graphics in Trenton, NJ, prior to retiring. He was known to be a man of few words, but his many talents spoke volumes. He was an exceptional woodworker and knot tyer, celebrated over the years for his furniture, wooden bowls, picture frames, survival bracelets, key fobs, and prized drift boat. His most recent claim to fame are his wood spirit carvings that decorated his renowned "selfie" walking sticks, nicknamed as such for Peter's uncanny resemblance to a wood spirit.

Far beyond his love of working with his hands, Peter's time in the military held a special place in his heart; he was a proud United States Navy submarine veteran who served during the Cold War from 1967 to 1971, obtaining the rank of IC2(SS) before his honorable discharge. Serving on the USS Spadefish (SSN-668), he was a plank owner and member of the commissioning crew of this Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine. His time on the Spadefish forged lasting friendships with his shipmates, and he looked forward to their reunions in Norfolk, Virginia.

An avid outdoorsman, Peter's interests included skiing, camping, scuba diving, boating, hunting, and fishing, with fly fishing and fly tying being among his greatest passions. Every June he looked forward to spending time with his fishing friends at Big Eddy Campground, Maine.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Marianne (Gaffney) Nelson, with whom he shared 41 fabulous years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Kate Nelson, and her husband, John Hawrylo; his sister, Nancy Cane, and her husband, Bill Cane; his brother-in-law and sister in-law, Al and Letty Gaffney; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a huge circle of friends extending back to his childhood.

Peter J. Nelson will be remembered not only for his many talents but also for his quiet strength, kindness, humor, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and his country. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. "Sailor, rest your oar."

A Celebration of Life, with military honors, will take place at a later date sometime in the fall.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Hunterdon Hospice by clicking the link below.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.