Theodore H. Nelson

Theodore Harold Nelson, “Ted”, 89, of Centerbrook, CT passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2025 reuniting with his wife of 58 years Judie Nelson, in eternal happiness. He was born in Queens, New York on October 26, 1935, the son of Harold and Lydia (Greene) Nelson.

Ted grew up in Baldwin, Long Island and after honorable discharge from the US Army in 1957, Ted married his high school sweetheart Judie Boxell. He started a job with the Charles Pfizer Company as an associate scientist, which brought them to Connecticut where they proudly built their house in Centerbrook, and where he remained the rest of his life, as a resident of Woodland Drive, aka “the Hill”, for 65 years. He was a true family-man, who took great pride in raising three daughters and loving three grandchildren with all his heart.

After retiring from Pfizer after 38 years of service, Ted continued to do the things he loved most- take care of his family, spend time in his yard and gardens, travel to places like Russia, Austria, Hungary and London, along with many cruises and yearly trips to Maine with his wife Judie. Ted played football and basketball at Baldwin High School, and was a lifelong Mets, Giants, and Knicks fan, but above all he loved UCONN Women’s Basketball!

Many in town knew Ted as the Captain of the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps, a hobby that combined his love for history and music. He joined in 1971 and learned to play the bass drum, and then became Captain in 1974, remaining in that role until he hung up his epaulettes, sword, and marching boots in 2013. He loved everything about the fife & drum corp, and his closest friends that marched alongside him over the years. These special friendships continued to the very end.

His physical presence, his moral compass, and the way he conducted himself everyday made him a pillar of strength for his family, demonstrating how to lead a good, simple life and appreciate all the wonderful things small town family life brings.

He is survived by his daughters Stacey Nelson of Framingham, MA; Gwen Ross and her husband Brian Ross of Ivoryton, CT; Alyssa Atkinson and her husband Shawn Atkinson of Old Saybrook,CT; and his grandchildren Patrick Atkinson, Paige Atkinson, and Austin Ross whom filled his heart with pride and joy.

The family would like to sincerely thank all of the people that supported Ted, especially his wonderful neighbors on Woodland Drive- the Clarke’s, the Peterson’s and the Egan’s.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 5:00-7:00pm at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook, CT. A service to honor Ted’s life will take place at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26th at 12:00pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Essex Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 233, Ivoryton, CT 06442; or The Sailing Masters of 1812, PO Box 184, Essex, CT 06426.