Edward Nelson Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Edward Nelson
Start: 2018-07-20T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Coast Guard Academy Chapel

Rear Admiral Edward Nelson Jr.

Astoria, OR - Edward Nelson Jr. was born to Edward and Hildur Nelson of Worcester, Massachusetts (Quinsigamond Village). He died at his home in Astoria, Oregon, at the age of 87.

After graduating from South High School in Worcester in 1949, Nelson entered the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, graduating in 1953. As a cadet, he met his future wife, whom he married after graduation.

Admiral Nelson served more than 36 years in the Coast Guard. He retired as Commander, 17th Coast Guard District, responsible for the entire Alaskan region, and as the 11th Ancient Albatross – the longest serving aviator on active duty. Before that he was the 32nd Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy from 1982-86. He had served as Chief of Officer Personnel in Washington, D.C.; Commanding Officer of Air Station Kodiak, AK; and Commanding Officer of Air Station Astoria, OR. His other assignments were in Juneau, AK; Norfolk, VA; Port Angeles, WA; New Orleans, LA; Argentia, Newfoundland; Salem, MA; Corpus Christi, TX; Pensacola, FL; and Wilmington, N.C.

After retirement, the couple settled in Astoria, OR, where Nelson served as a port commissioner, library board member, and a Board of Trustees member for Columbia Memorial Hospital for over 20 years. He also served on the national board of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and started a local MOAA chapter.

Nelson is survived by Joyce Nelson, his wife of 64 years; three children, Edward Darrell Nelson and his wife, Sherry, of Sun City, AZ; Sandra Nelson and her spouse, Lizabeth Deichmeister, of Grand Junction, CO; and Keith Nelson of Lake Forest Park, WA; grandchildren: Cory Nelson and Andrew Nelson of Sturgis, S.D.; Zachariah Nelson and Gabriel Nelson of Lake Forest Park; a sister, Marilyn (Nelson) Anzivino, and her husband, Joe of Grafton, MA; sister-in-law Barbara Nelson of Osterville, MA; and four nieces and nephews and a great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Nelson, of Osterville.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel, New London, CT, at 11 a.m. Friday, July 20, followed by his inurnment at the Academy Columbarium. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the USCG Academy Alumni Association (www.cgaalumni.org) Class of '53 Endowment Fund in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Jun. 14 to Jun. 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Nelson

5 Entries

Kevin M. Nedd

January 1, 2023

Admiral Nelson's signature, which appears on my USCGA diploma, has a special meaning for me. In 1983, he literally offered me a second chance to graduate from the Academy after receiving a recommendation from an Executive Board that I be disenrolled for poor academic performance. Years later, Admiral Nelson told me the backstory behind his decision to save my career and the pride he felt watching me graduate a year later. I will forever be in his debt. May he rest in peace.

TED & DARLENE BRYANT

June 8, 2019

I FIRST MET ED WHEN I I WAS SENT TO PORT ANGELES,WN IN 1966 MY FIRST DUTY STATION AS AN AVIATOR.
HE WAS THE OPERATIONS OFFICER AND I LIKED HIM AND JOYCE FROM THE START. HE WAS MY CO WHEN I RETIRED IN KODIAK, AK . I THINK FONDLY OF HIM OFTEN. WE HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH JOYCE,, LOVE AND PRAYERS, TED AND DARLENE BRYANT ([email protected])

July 24, 2018

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO JOYCE AND ED'S FAMILY. IT WAS AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH HIM IN PORT ANGELES,WN AND KODIAK, AK. DARLENE AND I HAD THE WARMEST REGARDS FOR ED AND JOYCE.
TED AND DARLENE BRYANT(tedar60@bellsouth,net)

Karen Rideout

June 17, 2018

Edward Nelson Jr. was my mother Marilyn's ,eldest brother and an uncle to my two brothers and I.
"Uncle Eddie" we called him I remember mostly when I was little and he would kid around and give me fun nicknames.
Our family would visit on certain occasions at the academy, like Thanksgiving, where we had some fine memories there at the Admiral's mansion.
My uncle came and visited one time when I was little and he used to smoke a wooden pipe that he held in his teeth.It smelled so good to me and gave off a pleasant fragrance.
He was an important part of the Coast Guard and he made a contribution being in it and doing much.
He also was special to his family and I am glad he was able to be a part of our lives .
He will be remembered by many friends and family and his life has made a difference.
One day I plan on journeying on to the great place called heaven and I will look and see my uncle Eddie and the many other beloved relatives, that have gone on before in that promised Land.

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