Anthony Lawrence Nelson
June 30, 1931 - July 2, 2015
Gentle, humble Tony is being laid to rest this week after suffering from Lewy Body dementia for the last few years.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1931 to Lawrence Alfred Nelson and Florence Palermo Nelson as their only son, Tony died on July 2, 2015.
Marie Rose Bruno, from Helper, Utah met him early in their careers in young Orange County, and they spent the last 57 years together.
Always the family man, he will be missed by all those he touched. Never loud or brash, he worked his way into your heart by his deeds, his devotion to his work, family, marriage and God.
Representing the American immigrant’s dream, he was born to Italian and Norwegian immigrant parents, and found success on all levels.
Educated in Brooklyn at the Polytechnic Institute, he used his Aeronautical Engineering degree and management skills to work his way up the fledgling aircraft and spacecraft programs of Southern California in the 1950’s. He finished his career in Structural Engineering with Boeing after 33 years in the industry. He received many awards related to Space Shuttle tests and the International Manned Space Mission. After 41 years in California, he retired with his wife Marie in 1999, and moved to Draper, Utah. He then devoted his energies further into hobbies, the Catholic church and his involvement with The Knights of the Holy Sepulcher and his expanding family.
Dapper and quick to laugh, Tony made you feel connected and important. He kept us well-fed with stories in Brooklynese, and was proud of his coins, models, books, card game skills, and well-stocked bar.
He is survived by his dedicated wife Marie, his four children Lori (Chris) Gay, Cheryl (Joe) Ryan, Anthony (Jenny) Nelson, Patricia (James) Schierer and eight adoring grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 beginning at 6pm where a recitation of The Holy Rosary will begin at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 11am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 E 11800 S, Draper, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Community Services, www.ccsutah.org. Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
In Loving Memory
What we most loved about Poppa was his love for his family, his commitment to their well being, to his dedication to their success. His love for family only blossomed with his expanding family of eight grandchildren. He traveled to visit them for special family events, births, first communions, confirmations, and graduations. Poppa and Nona made certain they got to these special events. Poppa enjoyed his trips to Wendover and Las Vegas. He especially enjoyed the slots, Blazing 7's was one of his favorites. Many of us remember at Marie's 70th birthday party that after hitting an especially prodigious spin that amount to a large payout Poppa quipped, ?Well I guess that about makes me even?. Hardly the truth, Poppas was ever cautious man with his money. Beyond, the slots, the cards, the progressive rummy, the golf games, the visits, the trips, the travels, the time at church, the stories, the teaching, and the wisdom what we recall most is his personality, sense of humor and love. We love you Poppa and will miss you.
Joseph Ryan
San Diego, CA
Marie & family, We are so sorry for your loss. Tony was a wonderful, loving man. It was a an honor to count him among our friends. May he find the peace that was lost to him this last few years. All our Love and Prayers, Cody, Tess & Angel
Tess & Cody Rapp
Spanish Fork, UT
Clay and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Cheryl and Joe Ryan and all of the Nelson family. May our Lord welcome his son Anthony home. Trish Welch San Diego, CA
Trish and Clay Welch
San Diego, CA
Dear Mrs. Nelson, Cheryl and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I celebrate with you in remembering the life of this wonderful man and family friend. We are all so blessed to have him a part of our journeys!
Laura (Raymond) Runkle
San Diego, Ca