Robert Charles Nelson

Bob grew up on Park Avenue in Naugatuck, the son of Carlton and Evelyn Nelson. In his youth he had a paper route for the Waterbury Republican American and played trumpet in The Mellow Four band which performed at the Policeman’s Ball. He graduated from Naugatuck High School and received an Associate in Science degree from New Haven College and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut.

He was an active-duty U.S. Army veteran and had a career as a manufacturing executive, first for Allis Chalmers in Pennsylvania, then Jackson-Lea/Jason Finishing Products in Connecticut. At Jason, he managed a manufacturing facility and took immense pride in advising iconic brands on how to make their products shine. Among them, Harley-Davison, Zippo, Ruger, and Calloway. Bob played golf and once came within a few inches of a hole-in-one. He was a Freemason, a Shriner, and a member of the Lions Club.

As a dad, he was warm, steady, and wise. He supported his sons in every way, from coaching Little League to the All-Star tournament, to being a leader in Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He attended many, many high school soccer games. Bob served and sang in the choirs at Christ Lutheran Church in Niantic and Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church in Groton, both for many years.

Bob loved life, enjoyed people and took pride in his Swedish heritage, which meant sturdy values, dry humor and a skill for conversation without unnecessary commentary.

His wife Diana passed away in 2000. He is survived by his sister, Louise Rappe; his son Doug and his wife Chris; his son Dwight and his wife Jenny; his grandchildren, Lucy, Phoebe and Oscar Nelson; and his ex-wife Anita Fernald.

Calling Hours will begin at noon followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and directions.