Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Robert P. Nelson Jr. M.D.
Robert P. Nelson Jr. M.D.
Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Nelson Obituary
An accomplished and respected physician and Immunologist, Robert practiced at I.U. Health and Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Additionally, he was a professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, inspiring many current and future physicians to pursue immunology as a specialty. He began his career in immunology, in a fellowship at the University of South Florida, where he helped start one of the first AIDS clinics in South Florida. Dr. Nelson was engaged in allergy/immunology research throughout his career, authoring numerous publications and receiving a range of awards for both his research achievements and teaching excellence.
A multi-talented man, he enjoyed playing his guitar and piano as well as listening to all genres of music.
He is survived by his sister Karen Nelson Moser; brother-in-law Paul Moser; niece Madeleine G. Manka, M.D. and husband Lukas Manka; great niece Chloe Manka; cousins Scott (Lisa) Stewart, Sandy Stewart, Nancy Wyatt; second cousins Quinn Leibman, Hailey Stewart, Natalie Stewart; his dear friend Becky Armbruster and a host of friends and colleagues.
Final arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Please visit www.orileyfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
To send flowers to the family of Robert P. Nelson, Jr., M.D. please visit our Tribute Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Braydon Scank
September 5, 2024
My name is Braydon Scank and I am one of Dr. Nelson's patients back whenever I was first born back in like 1999-2001. I was born with (S)evere (C)ombined (I)mmunodeficiency (S)yndrome (aka the boy in the bubble disease) and he was one of the immunologist to take care of me and it's so sad to see that he is gone. Rest easy, Dr. Nelson and thank you for everything that you've done to save my life! I owe you!
Mark Neafus
December 11, 2022
Dr. Nelson saved my life. He was my doctor for two decades. He was the kindest most supportive and knowledgeable man I've ever known.
He's been much missed.
RIP Dr. Nelson
Barbara (Prokasky) Hyre
July 6, 2022
How can I tell you what a good, kind, honourable, decent, brilliant and humble man Bob Nelson was. I worked with him for years at ALL Children´s/Univ of So Florida as his assistant. I could not count the number of nights he was at the bedside of a sick child all night then faced a busy next day. Nor the number of calls he always took immediately from a worried parent, or even a frightened community member he had never met. He was beyond generous to all of the young doctors he so diligently taught. His expertise was major in developing the medication that halted the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies. And thru it all he loved life, his family, his friends and music. He was never, ever, even once too busy for anyone who needed him. His saying when things got tough "it´s going to be OK, it´s not life or death" that is how he kept his calm. May he receive all the blessings he deserves in heaven. With love.
Shirley H Hottman
May 4, 2022
I just learned today of Dr Nelson's passing. I first-met him in May of 2018 when I was diagnosed with MDS. He took a deep interest in his patients. He
was such a kind and caring man who was married to his work. All his patients benefitted from that. Loved his dry sense of humor and our talks at appointments and my hospital stays. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. . May he RIP.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sachin Baxi, MD
March 8, 2022
My condolences. He inspired me to go into the field of allergy and immunology. I was lucky that I got to know him and worked with him. He will be missed.
Anne Burkhart
January 29, 2022
I have been a patient of Dr. Nelson´s for several years and was so sad to see he had passed. He has helped me in so many ways. His soft spoken, calming nature was beyond reassuring...and he was brilliant! I have not seen him since the beginning of Covid, and didn´t even get to say goodbye. He will be forever missed by myself and countless others.
Sally Booth MD
January 22, 2022
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends and colleagues of Dr. Nelson. Bob was both a friend and a colleague and I knew him as a brilliant and caring physician and friend who helped so many people in so many ways. His passing is a loss for the medical community as well as his friends and family. May he Rest In Peace.
John Underwood
January 20, 2022
What a wealth of knowledge! His patients and colleagues have benefitted greatly from Dr. Nelson's many contributions to patient care and the field of medicine.
Peggy Weil Jewell
January 12, 2022
My deepest sympathy at this time. Rich memories of Our families
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Nelson's name
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more