Robert Lee Nelson Jr.

Robert Lee Nelson, Jr. passed away at the age of 75 on March 1, 2026, after having battled Alzheimer's. He was born in Cheverly, MD on August 18,1950, to parents who had both served in WWII.

From early childhood, Bob showed exceptional mechanical aptitude and an interest in space. In a school photo, probably 3rd grade, he is wearing a red flannel shirt with spaceships printed on it. Already he was destined to have a career in planetary research. Upon graduating from Maryland University with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, he joined JHU Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD. He remained there for 36 years, rising to a position of Principal Professional Staff.

During his 36 years of service, Bob made many outstanding contributions to the DELTA 181 & 183 space craft and to the NEAR (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) MESSENGER, as well as the New Horizons programs. In August 2001, Bob accepted a NEAR award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics that reads" The team finessed a soft touchdown on the asteroid Eros (first ever), using a craft never designed for this feat, and gained heretofore unobtainable scientific information".

Upon retiring from APL in 2016, Bob began the work of restoring his 1908 Victorian house in Historic Sykesville, MD. He enjoyed long walks on the trails in Sykesville, always hoping to hear a train passing through.

Bob loved roller coasters, trains of any kind, especially steam engines, and bicycling on the C&O Canal from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown.

Bob is survived by his sister, Mary Alice McCullough; brother-in-law, Roger Sorensen; nephew, Andrew Lars Sorensen; niece, Katrina Sorensen Prisk, and a great-niece and nephew, Jenna and Dylan Prisk.

Bob will be greatly missed by his sister, with whom he resided, beginning in Sept 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Alzheimer's Research.

A Celebration of Life Service, commemorating the life of Robert Lee Nelson, Jr. will be held on April 25, 2026 @1 pm, at St. Paul's Methodist Church, 7538 Main Street, Sykesville, MD 21784.