Ronald Edward Nelson

1938 - 2026

KEENE, NH - Ronald Edward Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of January 27, 2026.

Ron was born on August 23, 1938, in Brattleboro, Vermont, to Henry and Ethelyn (Amidon) Nelson. He was a graduate of East Hartford High School in East Hartford, Connecticut.

On September 12, 1959, Ron married Joan Ann Decker. He earned his Master Electrician's license in both Vermont and New Hampshire in 1963, and the couple soon moved to Perkinsville, Vermont, where Ron founded Nelson Electric. Under his leadership, the business grew to employ ten people and served commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Ron was a Charter Member and Vice President of the Vermont Electrical Association. After 16 years in business, he closed Nelson Electric to accept a position as Maintenance Supervisor at Bryant Grinder in Springfield, Vermont. In 1986, the family relocated to Keene, New Hampshire, where he continued his career at Troy Mills, Inc., Fred H. Hamlet Electric, and Smiths Medical.

Ron was an avid snowmobiler and dedicated volunteer, serving for many years as Trailmaster and President of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). He also enjoyed collecting, repairing and renewing life to old items, tinkering in his garage, yard work, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, teaching his loved ones his own particular brand of idiosyncrasies, kayaking, birdwatching, and preserving the environment and all wildlife at the family camp in Marlboro, Vermont.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Brenda Kelly (Kevin), and Jennifer Johnson (Brian); his grandchildren, Kaeghan Kelly (Julianna), Khyra Kelly, Jillian Johnson, Zachary Johnson (Shayla), and Nathan Johnson; his great-grandson, Levi Johnson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Ann Nelson, who passed away peacefully after 62 years of marriage at age 81; his grandson, Patrick Kelly, at age 21; and all nine of his siblings.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cheshire Family Funeral Home located at 44 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH. A graveside service and reception will be held in May 2026 at Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford, VT.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com