John Charles Joseph Nelson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Charles Joseph Nelson on October 15, 2024, surrounded by his family and devoted friends. A loving son, father, grandfather, nephew, brother, and friend, his passing has left a hole in the hearts of all who loved him.

Born in Harbor City on July 9, 1968, John was a beautiful and cherished gift to the family. As an adventurous child, he embraced every opportunity to explore the world around him. He was fearless in his approach to navigating childhood and all the joys it brought—whether it was skateboarding through the neighborhood, dirt biking in Mexico, or taking daily treks with his sister to feed the ducks when he was a little boy.

As a teenager, John discovered a passion for punk rock, immersing himself in the music and culture that would shape his life. He remained devoted to the bands he loved and built lasting friendships within the punk rock community.

Leina, his eldest daughter, shared the following: “Dad found joy in the simple pleasures of life. With a heart full of laughter and a spirit of playfulness, he always knew how to lighten up a room with his jokes and silly antics. His love for cooking was a true gift to us, as he delighted in preparing meals that brought the family together. He was more than just a father; he was a friend, a source of endless laughter, and a beacon of love in our lives. When we were little, the weekends were for special breakfasts—pancakes with oranges and bananas inside, sausage or bacon, and he always made sure we ate our fruit first. He’d stress the importance of eating healthily, proper hygiene, and keeping a clean home. I’m so thankful for all the memories, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Those life lessons were exactly what I needed growing up.”

His middle child, his daughter Sabrina, shared her memories: “My father was the heart and soul of our family, a man who would give you the shirt off his back or anything you needed to make you feel at home. He filled our lives with love and a lot of laughter. He turned any gathering into a celebration, whether it was through his wild sense of humor, his love for music, or his love for food that drew everyone in. Dad made sure we always knew we were loved and cherished. Growing up, we spent a lot of time in the kitchen, and he’s the reason we love to cook. Every morning, he would pack our lunches for school, sandwiches were his expertise. Weekends he would spoil us with special homemade breakfasts made with love, backyard BBQ boogies, trips to amusement parks, the beach, punk rock shows or his favorite yard sale adventures. As we got older, he taught us how to stand tall, to keep moving forward through every hardship and to never give up on love. A one-of-a-kind father that always had us on an adventure. Our hearts ache; Dad is and always will be forever missed.

John Jr., his youngest child shared his memories: “My dad was the best dad I could ever have. The most adventurous, spontaneous, loving, caring, thoughtful and, above all, coolest person I'll ever know and forever remember. Funny thing is, my dad and I were so close. He didn't look at me like I was his son, he saw me as his brother, or his best friend because of the close bond and the way we did things together. He was a part of my everyday life. Dad always knew how to be the most energetic and funniest guy in the crowd. He was my hype man everywhere we went, whether it was one of my concerts I would rap at, or if it was one of his punk shows he would always take us to. Everyone knew and loved my dad, and everyone that loved him loved us. He just had that energy that attracted everyone and anyone to him. Everything I know now on how to live my everyday life, whether it be cooking, cleaning, or just simply knowing how to drill a screw into the wall, it comes from my dad teaching me those wonderful things. There won't ever be a day that goes by, as long as I live, that I won't be reminded of him. I’ll always love you for exactly who you were, just like you did for me. May you forever rest in peace Dad. I love you, your one and only beloved son John John.”

John was a beloved son to his father, Charles; his mother, Rosalie, and stepfather, Bruce. He was a cherished nephew to his Aunt Martha and a beloved brother to his sisters, Monica and Christie, and brothers, Greg and Andy. He was also a loving and devoted father to his three children, Leina, Sabrina, and John Jr. His grandchildren, Ace, Ryland, Jayce, and the recently born Rowdy, adored him as the "fun grandpa" every child dreams of.

He maintained a close friendship with his former wife and mother of his children, Tonia, whose support was invaluable as he navigated the challenges of later life.

John is survived by his father, Charles Nelson; his mother and stepfather, Rosalie and Bruce Schjeldahl; his Aunt Martha Diaz; his sisters, Monica Frey (Rick) and Christie Brock (Travis); his brothers, Greg and Andy Nelson; his children, Leina Nelson (Arnold), Sabrina Nelson (Drake), and John Nelson; and his grandchildren, Ace Estrada, Ryland and Jayce Carranza, and Rowdy Alexander, along with his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Joe and Marie Diaz, and his nephew, JD Nelson.

Services will be held as follows: Viewing on Thursday, November 21st from 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and services on Friday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Memorial 901 Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach followed by interment at Pacific Crest Cemetery, 2701 182nd Street, Redondo Beach. Reception immediately follows at Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, 2515 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nelson Family Memorial Fund https://gofund.me/02398b9e