HARRY NELSON

NELSON--Harry B. Harry B. Nelson, 103, of Fort Meyers FL, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2023. Harry was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. Born to Swedish immigrants, Edward and Signe Nelson, he was a proud Swedish American and often spoke glowingly of his Swedish ancestors and heritage. Harry graduated high school in Brooklyn, and later went on to receive an associates degree from CCNY. Harry had a 47-year career in public service, first as a New York State Trooper for 26-years, where he reached the rank of Major, followed by a 21-year career with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a Regional Director responsible for the New York, New England and Puerto Rico regions. He has the distinction of being the oldest surviving member of the retired New York State Troopers. Harry served during World War II in the U.S. Navy. Harry was greatly loved by all that had met him. His firm handshake and smile welcomed everyone into his life. Many have commented on his passing that he never appeared in a bad mood, and was in fact the most positive, friendly and loving person they have ever met. His glass was always half full, never without a kind word and pat on the back. Harry was a dedicated gym rat his whole life and credited his longevity to daily exercise. He played 4-wall handball until the age of 88 and golf well into his 90s. He loved family vacations in Cape Cod and jogging on the beach each morning. Harry married the love of his life, Mary Ruth Flood of Patterson, NY in 1944. She predeceased him in 2016. He is survived by his sons, James, Harry and Thomas, and his daughter-in-law Sydney Starkweather and grandchildren, Brendon, Scott, Kristen, Greta and Meghan, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His grandchildren and their children were always the first thing on his mind and the last before bed. Valhalla has welcomed him with open arms.