Ronald Nelson

RONALD NELSON, 55, died on February 19, 2016 awaiting a heart transplant. He was born on February 8, 1961 to Donald and Rita (Doyon) Nelson and grew up in Winterport, Maine. Ron graduated from Hampden Academy in 1979 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Maine in 1987. Ron married Catharine (Grenier) Nelson in 1990. He recently retired from a successful career with Parker-Hannafin which brought them from Owensboro, KY to South Carolina to the Buffalo, NY area. Ron always had a smile on his face and had an infectious positive attitude. He will be remembered for seeing the positive side of everyone and any situation and his willingness to help anyone he thought was in need. He was a loving, faithful and affectionate son, brother, husband, dad, grampy and friend. Ron was a devout Catholic who lived out his faith and led by example. Ron always enjoyed being active in the Catholic parishes where he has belonged as a lector, Eucharistic minister, youth leader, member of Knights of Columbus and serving on Koinonia and Christ Renews His Parish retreats. Ron also enjoyed skiing, golfing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Catharine Nelson, his daughters Elizabeth Nelson of Amherst, NY , Sr. Christina Marie Murphy, O.Cist, and Patricia (Murphy) Gutiérrez and her husband Christopher, of Sebree, KY, two grandchildren Gabriel and Isaac; four brothers Gordon Nelson and his wife Patti, of Baton Rouge, Jeffrey Nelson and his wife Cheryl, of Hampden, Ricky Nelson and his wife Sandy, of Holden, Scott Nelson and his wife Michele, of Old Town; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are welcome to call 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden, Maine. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 435 S. Main St, Winterport on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11am. The Rite of Committal will be at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. Memorial donations in Ron’s memory may be made at www.harborhouseofrochester.org and by becoming an organ donor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.