Peter J. Nelson

Peter Joseph Nelson, 83, beloved husband, father, uncle, friend, and "Papa," passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025. He will be remembered by an adoring family, including his loving wife of 59 years, Anne (Hannigan) Nelson, as well as countless others who were fortunate to know his warmth, charm, and great sense of humor.

Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts to Lawrence and Marguerite Nelson, Peter attended Brockton High School, where he made friends who would last throughout his life. After graduation, Peter served as a private in the Army National Guard artillery division, where he was an authorized M-1 rifle marksman. It was during this time that Peter began dating Anne, a fellow BHS classmate and the love of his life. After Peter's transfer to the reserves, Peter and Anne married in 1966 at Saint Edward's Catholic Church (now Saint Edith Stein Parish) in Brockton, beginning a beautiful life together filled with love and family.

Peter began his professional career as a stock runner at Baynes Electrical Supply Company in Brockton. A quick learner, he worked his way up to a sales position while studying at night for his Master Electrician's license exam. During these early years, he and Anne were blessed with two sons, Peter William and John Joseph. Tragically, John only survived a few days, and was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, beside the future resting place of his parents. Two years later, another blessing arrived with the birth of their third son, Sean Michael.

After passing his exam and becoming a licensed electrician, Peter moved his young family to Harwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod in 1971, where he began a highly-satisfying career as a self-employed electrician. He worked alongside a host of other tradesmen, and he and Anne developed many deep and long-lasting friendships, hosting legendary SuperBowl and New Year's Eve parties. They also soon welcomed into the world their fourth son, David Lawrence.

Peter's long and successful career as a self-employed electrician spanned over 50 years, affording his family a comfortable life and himself the freedom and time to coach his sons' Little League teams, play golf with his many buddies, and travel with his wife and friends. Peter finally retired in 2020, enabling him to fully enjoy his cherished grandchildren, and to help care for his dear wife, Anne.

Peter is survived by Anne, as well as his children Peter W. Nelson and Diane (Whelan) Nelson of Newport, RI; Sean M. Nelson and Nina Siegel of San Rafael, CA; David L. Nelson and Samantha M. Harvey of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; and beloved grandchildren Charles J. Nelson of Los Angeles, CA; Christopher J. Nelson of Newport, RI; Iris R. Nelson and Isaac A. Nelson of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; as well as brother Robert Michael Nelson and Eileen Nelson of Brockton, MA; sister-in-law Joanne Nelson of Brockton, MA; and sister-in-law Betty Nelson of Wells River, VT.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Peter's life on Friday, September 19th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont Street, Brockton. Family and friends are also invited to gather at 10 a.m. for a Celebration of Life memorial service which will be held on Saturday, September 20th at St Edith Stein Parish, 71 East Main Street, Brockton. There will be a burial to follow at nearby Calvary Cemetery in Brockton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Peter's memory.