"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26, KJV)
Richard Andrew Nelson was born on Wednesday, March 13, 1957 in Washington, DC. to the late Myron Wendell Nelson and Iris Louise Nelson. He was the third eldest child of four siblings. Richard, affectionately known as “Richie-Rich” by his sister and “King Richard” by his brother, departed this earthly life in the early afternoon of Tuesday, December 15, 2020 while at home and peacefully entered into eternal rest to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his elder brother, Ronald Gregory Nelson, 66, who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Richard was educated in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. He attended Saint Anthony’s Grade School in NE Washington, DC and Archbishop John Carroll High School (H.S.) in the Brookland neighborhood of NE Washington, D.C.
During his time at Carroll H.S., Richard became a talented musician (clarinet) and was a member of the school’s prestigious band. In this position, he had the opportunity to travel with the school band and perform as invited guests in the country of Ireland.
Upon his graduation from Carroll H.S. in 1975, he briefly attended Howard University in one of the undergraduate study programs where he reportedly majored in “Bid-Whist”.
After working for a short time with Geico and Safeway, Richard settled into a long career in the transportation industry, proudly working with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as a Metrobus operator. After working there for several productive years, Richard eventually retired on disability as a result of on-going medical issues. However, he thoroughly enjoyed his time of service to the public. He would often relate stories on how he loved driving, protecting and watching over his elderly riders; and how he had no problem assisting other unruly passengers in their “early departure” from his bus.
From his youth, Richard was extremely loyal and loving to his family and to those he considered true friends, becoming a fierce protector whenever the need arose. He was also never afraid to speak his mind on any subject, person, place or thing. However, he was equally a very kind-hearted, sensitive, generous, and thoughtful person. He was always concerned with the care and welfare of others before himself. He also had a very special love and affinity for those who were elderly, the young, and for animals (especially his two dogs: Shadow and Ginger).
As a youth, his love for stray animals kept him in the Emergency Room. He would often try to befriend neighborhood dogs, only to be bitten on various parts of his anatomy.
Richard loved life, living and laughter. He had developed an early love for music, theatre and the arts. He especially loved traveling to New York to watch Broadway plays and musicals; and for watching old movies. He could name every character and recite every line.
He was also an experienced connoisseur of many fine restaurants. He especially enjoyed dining at different eateries with his very good friend Artie B. King and sampling the many different kinds of foods and cuisines.
Richard loved the neighborhood and the community in which he lived. He was well known, respected and loved by his neighbors, old and young…always willing to give and to share.
One of the most beautiful expressions of love that Richard ever demonstrated in life was the very special and unselfish way in which he personally cared for his mother, Iris, during her final years of suffering with severe dementia, until her passing on October 12, 2013. During these times, and for several more years following, he simultaneously provided total care for his disabled brother Ronnie, until a life-altering medical illness in September 2019 prevented Richard from continuing further.
Richard leaves to celebrate his life and to cherish his many special memories: his sister Patricia Eileen Nelson; his brother Philip Anthony Nelson (Zoraida); his three nephews, Adrian Darnell, Kellin Jordan, and Sydney Elias Nelson; his great niece Zoey Eleanor Nelson; a very special daughter, Carole Mitchiner; two very special life-long friends, Artie B. King and Cassandra Couser; and a large host of loving aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.
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