Richard Lee Nelson

Richard "Dick" L. Nelson, age 85, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026.

He was born August 10, 1940, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, to Robert and Alice (Rauch) Nelson and was later raised by his stepfather, Russell Kline. Richard was a proud graduate of Rowe High School, Class of 1958.

Following graduation, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force, dedicating 20 years of honorable service to his country before retiring in 1978. During his military career, he completed two tours in Vietnam with the 3207th Munitions Maintenance Squadron, where he worked on aircraft and the flight line loading F-101 and F-106 fighter jets. He was also stationed in Guam and the Philippines, where he enjoyed working on and racing dirt bikes. Richard retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt), serving as an Aircraft Armament Systems Superintendent.

After his military service, Richard worked briefly at Exomet before beginning a long career with CEI as a boiler operator.

Richard was deeply committed to his community and fellow veterans. He was a life member of American Legion Cowle Post #151, where he served as Member-at-Large and held several board positions over the years. He was also a life member of VFW Post #2836 and enjoyed his time with friends at the Conneaut Moose Lodge #472.

An avid bowler, Richard proudly rolled a perfect 300 game and met the love of his life, Sandra Kay Tobias, at the old Rec Bowling Center which is now the American Legion Cowle Post #151. They married on April 4, 1964 at Lakeview United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling, attending NASCAR races, tinkering in his garage, and working on cars. Richard was a loyal Cleveland Indians fan and Green Bay Packers supporter - and was well known for his dislike of the Dallas Cowboys. He especially looked forward to Wednesday and Friday lunches at the Rainbow Café with his wife, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Judy and Lew Shiley. Richard also loved playing Keno whenever he had the chance.

Richard is survived by his loving daughter, Linda (George) Sabo; Sister-in-law Judy Shiley (Tobias); extended family, Pam Grubke (Gaugh); Hattie Grubke; Rick (Becky) Gaugh and Sarah Gaugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Robert Nelson and Alice and Russel Kline; brother, James Rauch; and his dear wife, Sandra Kay Nelson on January 17, 2021.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, where friends and family will gather from 11AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at East Conneaut Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, and military honors will be performed by fellow comrades of the American Legion Cowle Post #151.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Richard & Sandy's dear neighbors, Jeremy Snyder and Holly Peters for their assistance and watchful eyes over the years.

In lieu of flowers, Richard asked that memorials be given to the Conneaut Food Pantry, an organization that was also dear to his heart.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com