Dr. Bruce David Nelson

The son of Harold and Mildred Nelson, he was born on Dec 23rd, 1937, in Portland, Maine. He graduated Deering High School and attended Bowdoin College, graduating 2nd in his class with a major in Biology and minor in Art History. He went on to Columbia Medical School and subsequently completed two residency programs. The first in general surgery at Mass General Hospital in Boston and later, in urology at UCLA/Harbor Hospital in Los Angeles. He served as chief resident for UCLA/Harbor’s urology residency program. During and in between these training years he sought out diverse life experiences, both abroad and at home. During medical school he trained and worked at Kings College Hospital in London. Subsequently, he spent nearly 6 months working in Nigeria, Africa. Between his two residencies, he spent 2 years living with his family and working as a surgeon on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Fort Defiance, New Mexico, carrying the distinction of lieutenant officer within the US Public Health Service. In 1972, after completing his chief residency in urology, he returned to Maine with his then wife, Phyllis Cohen Nelson, and his 3 children Lisa, Daniel, and Jennifer.

It was in Maine where he discovered his true sense of home, finding soulful connection with its place and community. He remained dedicated to the practice of medicine, worked tireless hours, and found fulfillment through his relationships with his patients and colleagues. He was one of the few providers of the modern era to make regular house calls. Additionally, he was one of the first practitioners to perform kidney transplants and reverse vasectomies at Maine Medical Center.

In 1984, Bruce married Patricia White Nelson, whom he loved deeply. Together they raised two children, Sarah and Michael, in a home by the ocean which Bruce treasured.

In addition to practicing medicine, Bruce pursued a variety of passions over the years. His love of art and architecture mixed with Maine community-mindedness led to his development of the Portland Artist Studios, bringing affordable art studio rentals for local artists, as part of the Congress street revitalization efforts in the 1980s. One of his passions was Maine history: He was a board member of the Maine Landmark Association, the Maine Historical society and he participated on the board for the creation of the Portland Observatory Museum. He was also a long standing and proud member of Maine Rotary.

Bruce’s love of Maine, all things historical, antiques and art, evolved into what would become his life passion and second career -- antique postcard collecting. Bruce traveled far and wide searching for rare cards, and in the process built a community of dear friends, whom he referred to as his “postcard buddies.” Anyone who met him was certain to learn a bit about the unique histories hidden in these small paper treasures. For years he created monthly postcard exhibits at Mercy Hospital highlighting a broad range of topics, from the 1918 Flu pandemic to rare Christmas greetings to cards displaying the first airplanes. He was a monthly contributing writer for the Postcard Collector’s Journal, covering hundreds of different postcard topics over the 15 plus years of his tenure.

Outside of professional pursuits, Bruce embodied a strong sense of family and tradition. He honored his Jewish heritage and was a long standing member of Temple Beth El, and in later years attended Etz Chaim.

As Bruce aged, his boundless energy faded, but he never stopped expressing gratitude simply for being alive, living in the beauty of coastal Maine, and amongst the company of his loving family. Since his early days, he carried a special affinity for the Maine coastline. He loved to sit and marvel at its beauty, taking in his great fortune in getting to experience it; an admiration he carried to the end of his life.

When Bruce could no longer live at his home, his family moved him to Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living Facility for the last 18 months of his life. Here, he was treated with great compassion and dignity and won the hearts of both its staff and residents. Known as “Dr Bruce,” the staff loved him for his humor and his sweetness.

Bruce died on Feb 12th, 2026 from complications of dementia, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Nelson, his 5 children, Lisa, Daniel, Jennifer, Sarah, and Michael, his precious dog Chloe, as well as his 9 grandchildren, and his 3 brothers Leonard, Kenneth, Andrew and their families.

A funeral will be held at Temple Beth El on Tuesday Feb 17th at 11am immediately followed by a committal service at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. A reception at Portland Country Club will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Maine Historical Society.