Bertil Conrad "Bert" Nelson

1935 - 2025

Bertil "Bert" Conrad Nelson
11/11/25
Bertil "Bert" Conrad Nelson, 90, of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his home, with family by his side, on Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2025.
Born July 14th, 1935, in New Haven, Connecticut, Bert was the fifth of six children, older than his twin brother by just five minutes. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl Nelson, Sr. and Edna Greenvall Nelson, and five siblings, Ingaborg Nelson, Carl Nelson, Albert Nelson, Vivian Williams, and Alexander Nelson. His oldest brother, Carl, d. 2024, at 101, was his mentor from a young age. Bert was looking forward to being reunited in the afterlife.
Bert is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Beth Van Horne Nelson, his five children, Katharine Ann Nelson Biby (spouse, Rich Biby), Erik Anders Nelson, Jonathan August Nelson (spouse, Christina Faust), Jennifer Elizabeth Johnston Nelson (spouse, Matthew Johnston), Alexis Lee Van Horne Nelson, his grandchildren, Matthew Thomas Bramhall, Laura Elizabeth Bramhall, Angelina Rosaria Nelson, Hazel Olivia Johnston Nelson, his great-grandchildren, Madison Grace Bramhall, Dallas Matthew Bramhall, Reagan Mackenzie Rider, and his Border Collie, Lacey. He is also remembered lovingly by his many nieces and nephews.
Bert's involvement in the Salvation Army shaped his youth, fueling his generous spirit and values-driven life. After serving two years in the United States Army, primarily in Germany, Bert attended Southern Connecticut State University, where he earned a B.S. in English and secondary education in 1961. Employed full-time during his undergraduate years, he made time to write for and subsequently edit his college newspaper. Following a period of teaching, he returned to his alma mater and earned an MS in Education, majoring in English. Subsequently, he was invited to join the Department of Higher Education Ph.D. program in the Professional Administration of Higher Education. He was awarded his Ph.D. in 1975.
Novelist, human resources expert and teacher, Dr. Nelson was a natural philosopher and educator his entire life. In 1990, he founded Nelson Reed & Moore, an education and training consulting firm. Elected in 1995, he served as a member of the Clifton Board of Education for many years. Writing since he was a boy, his novel, short stories and letters to the editor remain a creative inspiration to his family and friends. He was passionate about the English language, storytelling, singing, woodworking, his dog, and his backyard. He loved to build and design bird houses and give them to friends and family. He had a sense of humor until his final days. His legacy of acceptance will be carried on by his loved ones.
The family wishes to thank Visiting Angels caregiver, Philip Lamptey, who cared tirelessly for Bert over the past 18 months, along with hospice nurse, Adam Reader, and the entire Ennoble Hospice care team who guided his last weeks with dignity.
Friends and family are warmly invited to join a Celebration of Life service in Bert's honor on December 13th, at the Salvation Army Montclair Citadel, followed by a brunch reception nearby.
Celebration of Life Service, 11AM, Saturday, December 13th, Salvation Army Montclair Citadel, 13 Trinity Pl,, Montclair, NJ 07042,
Memorial gifts can be made in Bert's name to the Salvation Army Montclair Citadel. Dr. Nelson served on their Red Kettle Campaign as a boy and, as an adult, didn't miss the chance to give back and attend their annual holiday concert.