Timothy John Nelson

Timothy John Nelson, age 60, died peacefully on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, following a five-year battle with cancer. Tim passed away on his terms – at his home and surrounded by those he loved most. Born May 29, 1965, in Boston, MA, Tim was the son of Joan Marie (Nielsen) and the late John Francis Nelson.

Tim grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts where he attended the Franco American School and graduated from the Greater Lowell “Voke” with the class of 1983 where he was a member of the football team and studied power mechanics. He was an Enfield certified diesel mechanic and worked in the construction industry until the market crash of the late 1980s. He went on to work for the City of Lowell school department as a custodian, until his early retirement.

Tim was deeply committed, hardworking, and meticulous in everything he did. He took great pride in his home, his truck, and—above all—his family, working tirelessly to ensure they had not just a house, but a true home and a good life. Very handy and always eager to help, he could be found plowing for family and neighbors no matter the hour, lending his tools and expertise to anyone in need, or even pulling the milkman’s truck when he got stuck. He liked to say, “Work smarter, not harder”—though at times he couldn’t resist working harder. The strongest man in the room, he was always there to loosen a stuck bolt for his sons or a stubborn jar for his wife.

Tim married his beloved wife, Catherine Francis (Hamel) Nelson on November 19th, 1988. He was the lighthearted yin to Cathy’s more serious yang. Together they raised four children, Jason, Steven, Sara, and Michael in Tyngsborough before the family moved to Pepperell in 2001. Together they all enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and trips to Searsport, Pittsburg, Mt. Rushmore, Washington, DC, Ireland and St. Lucia.

Tim was diagnosed with lung cancer over four years ago. Despite his many treatments and trips to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, he maintained his jokester personality and great inner strength. The family is eternally grateful to the Dana Farber team and their medical staff for the steadfast loving care they provided to Tim.

Tim was proud to be a friend of Bill W. for over 16 years.

Tim is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Catherine “Cathy” Nelson of Pepperell; son Jason Nelson of Shirley, son Steven Nelson and partner Kasey Huuskonen of Springfield, daughter Sara Costigan and husband James of Worcester, and son Michael Nelson of Pepperell; mother Joan Nelson of Lowell; sister Christie Ferguson and husband Wayne of Lowell; and very close friend, Stephen Bridges of Pepperell.

Visiting hours will be held in the McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main St., (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Thursday, September 11th from 5 – 8 pm, concluding with a time of remembrance for family and friends.

The family will be making a charitable donation to Dana Farber through their Gene Display project to honor Tim’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations towards the memorial Gene that will be dedicated to Tim. All funds from the Gene Display go towards cancer research and patient care.