Charlie (as I knew him when we met) and I were classmates at Pope John XXIII Seminary.  We met in September 1983 and were great friends during our four years of formation. In the midst of all that time we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.  Since I was from Boston, Charlie was with my family on many occasions.  We will never forget his presence at my sister's home for the 1985 Super Bowl party for the game between the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears.  Charlie brought a Teddy Bear along to root for his home state team.  The Bears beat the Patriots handily that year.  When Charlie was ordained at the Springfield Cathedral in May 1987, he asked me to be the Deacon at the Mass and at his First Mass the next day.  It was a great privilege for me.  The next month, he was in Boston concelebrating at my Ordination and First Mass.  Charlie was a devout and very loyal Catholic who had a deep love and respect for Pope (now Saint) John Paul II.  The last time I spoke with Charlie was about two years ago at the time of his birthday. Ironically, he died on October 27, which is my birthday.  Rest in Peace, good friend, as you glow in the Beatific Vision for which we all long. Fr. Richard Fitzgerald St. Columbkille Parish Brighton, MA

We are extremely saddened by the passing of Fr. Nelson.   We first met Fr. Nelson, when we asked him to officiate our wedding over 32 years ago.  Fr. Nelson baptized both our children (Alex and Emily), gave both of them their First Communion (being told by Vicky that he couldn’t retire until Alex received his and he retired shortly after), and followed both kids’ progress through birthdays, graduations and career moves.    We even drove Fr. Nelson to Chicago to watch the Mets and Cubs play at Wrigley Field.  When my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in South Florida, Fr. Nelson flew down to renew their vows.  The day after, he said Mass in my brother’s backyard, next to the pool and the Tiki Hut.   A year later, when my dad died, he flew down and officiated my dad’s funeral and a few years later, he flew down to Florida again to officiated my mom’s funeral.   Fr. Nelson was a big part of our family and our extended family.   It is unfortunate that we didn’t find out that Fr. Nelson had died until today.  We would have been there for his visitation and funeral mass.  Godspeed Our Dear Friend! Greg, Vicky, Emily & Alex

Our Family thought the world of Fr Nelson when he was at St Marks. He was so kind and compassionate. My sister in law, Mary Smith, said “Fr loved my kids”. Always had a kind word for everyone.  I loved seeing him at Mass, and also enjoyed seeing Fr working so hard in the Church basement  helping all the ladies prepare the Funeral luncheons. My Aunt, Margaret O’Donnell,  worked with Fr at Marine Bank years ago.

My condolences  of the passing of father  nelson  always enjoyed talking to him .the cody family thought alot of him

I can't believe Father Nelson has died. I've sent him cards on all his birthdays and spoke to him over the phone at least once this year. He was a wonderful friend. When My first born died in 1988, Father was the first to give us a call. He also said his Mass. May your Soul rest in peace Father.

Father Nelson was a priest at St. Patrick's Church in Bluffs for many years and everyone loved him.     I want to share a tribute to him from his 25 year anniversary of being a priest:  

Father Charles Nelson was a native of Springfield. His family was the first black Catholic family at Ss. Peter and Paul Church. He attended the parish grade school, spent one year at Cathedral Boys Catholic High School then went to a Franciscan preparatory seminary in Hinsdale the next year. "But I didn't stay, I was too homesick," says Father Nelson.  After graduating from Feitshans High School, he went to work at Sangamo Electric Co., only to be drafted into the Army. He served his military duty and returned home.  "It was always in the back of my mind that I might someday be a priest," says Father Nelson. He was a lector and extraordinary Communion minister at St. Joseph Church in Springfield, when one of the Viatorian priests at the parish told him, "the bishop is looking for some vocations."  But Nelson thought of himself as "too old."  "Oh, no, you're never too old," Father George Aujer, CSV, told him. But then Bishop Joseph McNicholas died. Things were put on hold for a while, then Msgr. Paul Sheridan, diocesan administrator, notified Nelson he was accepted for study and sent him to Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass., a seminary for older men studying for the priesthood.  On May 16, 1984, at age 51, Father Nelson was ordained a priest by Bishop Daniel L. Ryan at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was the first black man in 101 years to be an ordained priest in the diocese.  Father Nelson served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose in Godfrey, then at Our Saviour in Jacksonville, and in 1991 was named parochial administrator at All Saints, White Hall; St. Bartholomew, Murrayville; St. Mark, Winchester, and St. Patrick, Bluffs.  "When I was first assigned to those parishes, and moved to Winchester, there was some concern that my being black, might be a problem," Father Nelson says. "But I thought, like my mom always told me, 'Just be yourself, and the kind of person you are will come to the fore.'  "Probably some of the best friends I have made in my life, people of different faiths, are here in Winchester. Older people here of different faiths have asked that I preach at their funerals. I think that goes to dismiss the rumors that there are racial tensions in small communities. People here are very loving, very helpful, and will do anything they can for you."  He admits there was a time that he had hoped to be assigned to one of the bigger parishes in Quincy or Springfield. But when it came time for his retirement, he chose to stay in Winchester.  "I look at those little parishes now, and realize they were one of the best blessings that God could have given me, because they were really good people."

RIP,  what a wonderful gentleman he was,  always a smile and he really enjoyed life!  He will be missed.  So sorry to hear of his passing.

Father Charles was my mothers brother, hence my uncle. As I read all the tributes, i have to agree he was a very special person. He loved his family, friends, and especially his servIce to the church. When my children were babies, he made a special trip to Newark, Ohio to baptize our children and say mass the following day. This was an all time memory for me and my family. Thank you friends of my uncle for your warm and loving remembrances of him  Bless you all! Sincerely, Russell Smith jr.

I met Charles when we both worked at Marine Bank in the 60s.  We became friends and stayed in touch for years.  in 1986 my husband died and Fr. Charles flew back to Springfield to help with the funeral.  Sorry to hear of his passing.  Great man and priest.  May he Rest In Peace.  Sharon Pointer LaFauce

What a blessing to have known Fr. Nelson... Our kids went to OSS in the 90's. The kindergartener's used to find cupcakes from the Cupcake Angel. Thank you Fr. Nelson for your service and  for touching so many lives. You were such an inspiration to all of us.

Fr. Nelson was my Mom's priest in Winchester. I met Fr. Nelson and was quite impressed with his spirituality and very practical sense.  The sad thing is, the world lost a great man.  The happy thing is, Heaven gained another angel. Condolences to the family.  Mike Yerion

Father Nelson was very close to my parents, John and Marilyn Scott from Winchester.    He was a big part of our family.     When I was wheeled back to my hospital room after having Karilyn by c section, there was Father Nelson sitting there with my parents.   I told him I wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad sign that he was there.    He treasured the button announcing Karilyn’s birth that day.    For at least the next 12 years, he would show her the button around her birthday.   We dearly loved Father Nelson and we are so sorry for your loss.

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center - Springfield 

OBITUARY

Rev. Charles T. Nelson

November 24, 1935 – October 27, 2021

Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Springfield

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