Avis de décès de Charles-R. Nelson

Nelson, Charles R. MECHANICVILLE Charles R. Nelson, 87, longtime resident of Mechanicville, died early Tuesday morning, November 25, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schaght-icoke, July 10, 1921, he was the son of the late John and Amanda Swanson Nelson, widower after 66 years of marriage to Cheryl I. Jackson Nelson, who died June 5, 2007, and father of the late Gary Charles Nelson. He was a brakeman for over 42 years with the Boston and Maine Railroad in Mechanicville before retiring. During World War II, Charles proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific Theatre of Operations as a bazooka, flame thrower and demolition man, and participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima, Wake Island and Guam. Charles was recently honored by Rensselaer County, awarded the Veteran's Service Award, for his service to his country. He was a longtime member of the VFW and American Legion. Fishing and card playing and the sport of horseracing, especially OTB, held his interests, along with his vegetable and flower gardens. Survivors include his five children, Karin (Robert) Rokjer of Grafton, Cheryl (Anthony) Maiello of Schaghticoke, William (Susan) Nelson of Malta, Barbara ( Neil) Kennedy and Laurie Qua, all of Clifton Park; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; along with nieces and nephews. The last living member of his Nelson family, he was predeceased by a brother, John Nelson and sisters, Yarda Cowen, Hulda Keegan, Isabelle Conley and Laura LeClaire. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1, at 12:30 p.m. at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville. Burial with full military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Calling hours at the funeral home on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots of Albany, NY, 780 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12203, in loving memory of Charles R. Nelson.