John Nelson Obituary
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Born in Newport, he was the son of the late John W. Nelson Jr. and Caroline T. (Murphy) Nelson. A member of the Rhode Island National Guard, he enlisted while in high school, attended Officer Candidate School and served in Vietnam when the 115th Military Police Company was called to duty. He retired as Lt. Col after 35 years. John made his career in banking. He retired as Vice President of Commercial Lending, enabling many people to start their own businesses.
John was a car enthusiast; he loved attending sports car racing events at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. He also enjoyed sailing, and camping with his family. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and sang with the Hibernian Singers. John was also a member of the Middletown Senior Center and a member of their choir.
He was preceded in death by his son John Erik Nelson, grandson Chris 'Sean Williams, and sister Caroline T. Nelson.
John is survived by his wife Elizabeth A. "Betty Anne" (Collins) Nelson, his children Karl W. Nelson, Beth A. Nelson (Riko Simpson) and grandchildren Darren Weldon, Teaonna D. Simpson, and Deaonna B. Womack.
The family wishes to thank Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice for its care and compassion shown to John in recent months, allowing him to remain at home during his illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 28 at Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport at 9:30 AM. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jesus Saviour Church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Amy G.McDonnell
May 24, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
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Kathleen Hirt-Coleman
May 24, 2025
Condolences to William's family and friends. My brother and I played with him when we were children and remember him as an easy going boy.
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