Bert Nelson

Dr. Bert Nelson, a distinguished educator, longtime school superintendent, and respected leader in New York public education, passed away after a lifetime dedicated to serving student, educators, and the community. Dr. Nelson is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Nelson; his children, Rebecca Bauer and her husband Brian, Adam Nelson and his wife Jill, and Julie Robeson and her husband Jim; and his cherished grandchildren, Sadie Nelson, Audrey Bauer, Alex Bauer, Jake Bauer, Charlie Bauer, and Jonathan Robeson.

A graduate of Queens College and Hofstra University, where he earned his Doctor of Education degree, Dr. Nelson devoted more than 60 years to education. He served as Superintendent of the Hewlett-Woodmere public Schools from 1982-1998, following earlier service as deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, and assistant to the super intendent. He later served as Executive Administrator of the New York State School Music Association and, for more than two decades, as a Hearing Officer for Long Island school districts. Throughout his career, he also taught as an adjunct professor at New York University and Hofstra University and served in numerous state and federal educational leadership roles.

Widely admired for his leadership and commitment to public education, Dr. Nelson received numerous honors, including the Nassau Herald's Man of the Year award, the Nassau Music Educators Association's Administrator of the year award and Honorary Life Membership, the National Association for Music Education's Lowell Mason Fellow distinction, and the New York State School Music Association's Sterling Service Medallion and Distinguished Service Award, among many others. An accomplished author, mentor, and advocate for music and arts education, Dr. Nelson was known for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. His influence will continue through the generation of students, educators, and school leaders whose lives he touched.

The family will be setting up a scholarship fund in his name at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools. For those attending the funeral service, who are interested in donating to the scholarship, please sign the sheet with your name and email address that will be in the front of the family room in the funeral home. For those who will not be attending the service but are interested in donating to the scholarship please reach out to his daughter Julie. She can be reached at her email address [email protected].

A Funeral Service will be held at Boulevard-Riverside Chapels, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557, US, on July 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a live stream link available below