Robert "Bob" Alan Nelson

Robert (Bob) Alan Nelson, 87 of Chesapeake, VA passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by family and loved ones. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Bob managed his illness with strength, grace, and humor, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Bob was born in Midland Park, NJ to Flora Blom and Charles H. Nelson. After he graduated from Pompton Lakes High School, he served 4 years in the Navy attaining the rank of Electronics Technician First Class. He worked at various jobs in the electronics field while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University earning BSEE and MBA degrees. In 1955 he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara J. Connolly. They had two children together, Keith and Barbara (Jean). Bob worked for ITT Avionics in Nutley NJ for 27 years before retiring in 1991 as a Systems Engineering Manager. In 1977 he married E. Joan Alvis. They were married for 27 years until her passing in 2004. He has spent the last 14 years in a loving relationship with his much more than significant other, Linda Hanson in Chesapeake VA. Together they enjoyed planning and making upgrades to their home, bowling, dining out, and spending time with family and friends. Throughout Bob’s life he loved to “putter” around the house, often having many projects going at a time. He was an avid crossword and sudoku enthusiast which he confidently completed in pen. He loved boating, golfing and RV’ing as well as playing guitar and singing. He is survived by his beloved life partner, Linda Hanson; his children from his first marriage to Barbara; Keith Nelson and Barbara Jean Carlson, and son in law Mark Carlson; and his grandchildren Ira and Bridget Carlson. He also leaves behind his sister, Janice Witten, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children, as well as his family through Linda; daughter Katherine Cohen, son in law Justin and grandson Jacob Austin; son Steven Napierski and wife Amanda, and granddaughters Aftan and Reagan Napierski. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Benson, who was constantly by his side. Bob is predeceased by former wife Barbara Connolly, and his second wife E. Joan Alvis, as well as his brothers, Charles, and Edward Nelson. Special thanks to EVMS in Norfolk, and Dr. Naga of Virginia Oncology Assoc., for their outstanding care during his illness, and to Sandra G. Humphrey, R.N., and the staff of Interim Hospice for all their compassionate care, and support. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Smith and Williams Funeral Home, located at 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA. In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.