1944 - 2023
US Navy Visitation
August 14, 202310 A.M. - 12 Noon
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Funeral
August 14, 202312 Noon
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Ralph Wesley Nelson, 78, died late Monday night, August 7, 2023 at his home after a long illness.
He was married to Judy (Howard) Nelson with whom he recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on April 19th.
Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy (Popham) Nelson.
Ralph graduated from Auburn High School with the class of 1962. He is a graduate of Worcester Junior College with an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering and a graduate of University of Lowell with a Bachelor in Science in Business Administration. He went on to proudly serve with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
He retired in 2016 from Rexell, Inc. of Woburn, MA.
Ralph was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Holy Rood Collaborative in Chelmsford. He was a member of the Bishop Rocco Council Knights of Columbus, Merrimack Valley Vietnam Vets, and the Chelmsford Veterans.
He enjoyed photography, motorcycling and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his son Matthew Nelson and his wife Carla of Hull, MA, a grandson Elliot Nelson, and his brother Carl Nelson of Webster, MA.
Ralph’s visiting hours will be Monday, August 14, 2023 from 10 am to 12 Noon followed by a Funeral Service at 12Noon at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD. Memorials may be made in his name to the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund, c/o James Barrows, 1521 Gorham St., Lowell, MA 01852. https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/index.html
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Denis R Breton
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My sincere condolences and prayers at the loss of your husband. I’m sure that the good Lord has already welcomed him and now rejoicing in heaven. I’m sure Ralph will be watching over you and supporting you in the days ahead. God bless you for the wonderful support you’ve given him especially in his illness. Peace in the Lord. Denis Breton
Chris & Peggy Sullivan
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Dear Judy and Matt,
There are no words to express our deepest sympathy. Ralph was one of the best! His kindness, compassion, and fantastic sense of humor will always be remembered! May your many fond memories help ease your pain during this most difficult time.
Love,
Chris & Peggy Sullivan
Lynne Cote
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Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. It was just a strange coincidence that I happen to go Dolans website. I am in Arizona, or I would be there to pay my respects. Been living here 6 years. Married 4 years ago today. I know Ralph was your love, your soulmate for sure. Prayers for the next few days and I know your strong faith will guide you. Lynne
Tom Christiano
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My sincere condolences and prayers at the loss of your husband, brother, and father. He was such a nice man and a big supporter of my art vocation. Wishing you all peace during this very difficult time.
John Dow
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To Judy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Ralph. I have lost touch with him after graduation from AHS but looking at his life can’t help but think that the address by General Douglas MacArthur at West Point just weeks before we graduated in 1962 applied to his service and life. “Duty, Honor Country.”