Joseph J Nelson

Joe was born on July 6, 1932 in Portland, Maine, where he lived his entire life. He was the son of late William E. Nelson of North Stratford, New Hampshire, and Christine O. (Yates) Nelson of Woodland, Maine.

He attended local schools, graduating from Portland High School in 1950. At Portland High, Joe played basketball and was a member of Portland High's state championship team in 1950.

After high school, Joe enlisted in the Army National Guard, and shortly thereafter transferred to a unit of the Air National Guard upon learning that it was about to be activated. During the Korean Conflict, he served as a medical specialist in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Tripoli, North Africa. After Joe’s unit was deactivated in 1953, Joe returned to Portland where he continued to serve in the Army National Guard Reserves until being honorably discharged in 1962.

Joe married Dolores M. Caiazzo on September 29, 1956 at Saint Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Portland. He was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church for many years and later regularly attended Saint Joseph’s Church.

Joe worked in the grocery business for all of his adult life. He was employed by Columbia Market from 1957 until 1972 and by Shaw’s Supermarkets as a grocery merchandiser from 1972 until his retirement in 1996.

Probably the single largest influence in Joe's childhood came from his experiences at the Portland Boys Club, which he first joined at age seven. Over the years, he dedicated much time and effort to ensure the club remained a safe haven for Portland’s youth. He served on the club’s Board of Directors for 14 years, was a charter member and President of the Boys Club Alumni Association, and was named Alumni Association Man of the Year in 1980. Joe was also a member of the B.P.O. Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Italian Heritage Center.

He was a devoted and deeply loving husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family. Joe especially cherished holidays, Sunday dinners, and special family events.

Joe was predeceased by his brother Eugene Nelson of Santa Ana, CA.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Dolores Nelson of Portland; a daughter, Terese Myatt and her husband Gerard of Portland; a son, William Nelson and his wife Debra of Auburn, MA; four grandchildren, of whom he was very proud, G. Anthony Myatt Jr. and Francis Myatt of Portland, William Nelson Jr. of Arlington, VA, and Katherine Nelson of Auburn, MA; and his sister, Ellen Marston of Zephryhills, FL.

Family and friends are invited to a time of Visitation 4-7 pm Wednesday October 17, 2012 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am Thursday, October 18, 2012 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church 72 Federal St. Portland, ME Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, S. Portland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Portland Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association, 277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME 04101.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com to sign Joseph’s guestbook and offer condolences to the Nelson family.