Walter E. "Wally" Nelson

Walter Eugene “Wally” Nelson, 92, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Wed., April 5, 2017 at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River, FL. A native of Johnsonburg, PA, he was born Aug. 14, 1924 to Otto and Mabel (Hazel) Nelson, one of five children. Wally, as he was known to many, served his country honorably in the United States Army during WWII from 1943 to 1946 and was a lifelong automobile mechanic. In addition to employment as Service Manager with Ford Heavy trucks in both Rochester and Buffalo, NY, a career that spanned 45 years, he was also the former owner and operator of Wally’s Service Station in Buffalo. He moved to Homosassa seven years ago from Rochester and was a former longtime member of Pinnacle Lutheran Church, Pittsford, NY and a current member of Nativity Lutheran Church, Weeki Wachee , FL. Wally, as he was known to many, loved golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening and cooking and is survived by his loving wife of over 42 years, Laura Nelson, Homosassa, FL; daughter Barbara Pierce, Buffalo, NY; stepson Thomas Passmore (wife Catherine), Rochester, NY; stepdaughters Colleen Loos, Homosassa, FL and Faith Gerew (husband Lawrence), Rochester, NY; grandchildren Nathan and Chad Henry, Brenda Gerew, Eric Pierce (wife Kristina), Melissa Weeks and Dalton and Braden Passmore, as well as four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his four siblings: Helmer, Helen, Aldine and Betty. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Nativity Lutheran Church, Spring Hill, FL and on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Pinnacle Lutheran Church, Pittsford, New York. Wally will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Nativity Lutheran Church, Worship Technology Enhancement or Pinnacle Lutheran Church in Wally's name. Services entrusted to Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. www.wilderfuneral.com