Donald O. Nelson
Winterport
Donald Nelson, 94, passed away November 6, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born in Bangor, October 14, 1928 the son of Donald E. and Mattie L. (Downes) Nelson. The rock of the family, he was a wonderful husband, father and pepere. Don left high school at the age of 17 to enlist in the US Navy, serving from May 1946 until March 1948. After his honorable discharge he attended MCI and graduated. He then attended the University of Maine and graduated with a degree in civil engineering.
On July 28, 1951, Don married the love of his life, Rita Doyon. He then went to work for the Maine DOT, later Bridge Construction and in 1963 went to work for the University of Maine where he worked until 1991, retiring as assistant director of engineering services.
While at the university, Don oversaw the construction of the Alfond Arena and did land surveying on his own.
Donald was a lifelong resident of Winterport, he served as sexton of the cemeteries, member of the historical society and served the town in many other capacities. Don enjoyed gardening and rebuilding their home. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Main St. Winterport.
Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Rita of Winterport; Five sons, Gordon Nelson and his wife, Patti of Baton Rogue, LA. Jeffrey Nelson and his wife Cheryl of Hampden, Rick Nelson and his wife Sandy of Holden; Scott Nelson and his wife Michele of Old Town; Daughter-in-law, Catharine Nelson of Canaan, 11 grandchildren; Gordon Nelson, Jr., Daniel Nelson, Emily Theriault, Joseph Nelson, Libby Bush, Keith Nelson, Patricia Gutierrez, Sister Chrisitina Marie, Elizabeth Nelson, Michael Nelson, James Nelson; several great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Irma Nelson. He was predeceased by a son Ronald Nelson; brother Leroy Nelson; sister Vianna Higgins and her husband Leon.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am Friday, November 11, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Main St. Winterport, followed by a reception at the Columbian Hall.. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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Winterport
Donald Nelson, 94, passed away November 6, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born in Bangor, October 14, 1928 the son of Donald E. and Mattie L. (Downes) Nelson. The rock of the family, he was a wonderful husband, father and pepere. Don left high school at the age of 17 to enlist in the US Navy, serving from May 1946 until March 1948. After his honorable discharge he attended MCI and graduated. He then attended the University of Maine and graduated with a degree in civil engineering.
On July 28, 1951, Don married the love of his life, Rita Doyon. He then went to work for the Maine DOT, later Bridge Construction and in 1963 went to work for the University of Maine where he worked until 1991, retiring as assistant director of engineering services.
While at the university, Don oversaw the construction of the Alfond Arena and did land surveying on his own.
Donald was a lifelong resident of Winterport, he served as sexton of the cemeteries, member of the historical society and served the town in many other capacities. Don enjoyed gardening and rebuilding their home. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Main St. Winterport.
Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Rita of Winterport; Five sons, Gordon Nelson and his wife, Patti of Baton Rogue, LA. Jeffrey Nelson and his wife Cheryl of Hampden, Rick Nelson and his wife Sandy of Holden; Scott Nelson and his wife Michele of Old Town; Daughter-in-law, Catharine Nelson of Canaan, 11 grandchildren; Gordon Nelson, Jr., Daniel Nelson, Emily Theriault, Joseph Nelson, Libby Bush, Keith Nelson, Patricia Gutierrez, Sister Chrisitina Marie, Elizabeth Nelson, Michael Nelson, James Nelson; several great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Irma Nelson. He was predeceased by a son Ronald Nelson; brother Leroy Nelson; sister Vianna Higgins and her husband Leon.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am Friday, November 11, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Main St. Winterport, followed by a reception at the Columbian Hall.. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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