Obituary for John Lance Nelson
John Lance Nelson Sr., 84, entered into Eternal Peace on Friday, March 4, 2022 at his loving home in Suffield. John was born on November 2, 1937, the son of the late Richard Guy and Alice (Walsh) Nelson and was raised in Enfield with fond memories of growing up on Shaker Pines Lake. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After returning home from his worldly tour in the Navy he entered into the construction industry and worked his way up to VP for Della for over 30 years. It is during this time he met his beloved wife, the late Rosemary (Monette) Nelson and they raised three beautiful children together, Rene Nelson Alderman and her husband Jeffrey of Suffield, John Lance Nelson and his wife Genevra of Enfield, and his youngest son Brian whom he was predeceased by and missed dearly.
John was an exceptional man in every aspect of his life. He loved God, his family, and every sport imaginable in that order with all his heart. John's amazing love for sports led him to many experiences throughout his life both as an athlete and spectator. From little league as a young boy, a boxer in the Navy, and an avid golfer and bowler throughout his life. Anyone who knew John knew his love for the outdoors as an exceptional hunter and fisherman that brought him to some of the most amazing experiences of his life that he shared with all and also where he met so many of his lifelong friends and extended family he held closest in his heart.
John was a true friend to everyone he met. He always listened to everyone that needed support and gave us sound advice always. He had an amazing way of making everyone feel wanted, loved and cared for.
John grew up one of five siblings, leaving behind his best friends, his brother and sister, Richard Guy Nelson and fiancée Mary Rowan, and Jackie Tuomala and her husband Jerry. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sally Baribault and June Burke. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Robert Mercik and a sister-in-law, Dar Licitra and her husband Bob.
John and Ro were grateful to be able to provide a summer home to their family in Averill, VT, where they were able to teach their children and grandchildren to unplug from the world which taught them many life lessons that would go on to shape their character's in the future. They made many of their lifelong friendships that they cherished in their second home eventually becoming the Blue House Crew. John always looked forward to the time they spent with one another, especially his five grandchildren of whom he couldn't have been prouder of, Dominique, John III, William, Danielle and Jeffrey. For his grandchildren he always had time whether it be playing cards or sharing stories. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply, who proudly call him "Uncle John".
In the later years John struggled with several health conditions and always still had time, a note of positivity, and a twinkle out of his blue eyes for all who came to visit. He was forever grateful to his daughter Rene who took extraordinary care of him the last several years and the support and love of his family, friends, and caregivers.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for calling hours on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 4-8 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT. A procession will gather at the funeral home on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 9:00 am for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Road, Enfield, CT. Burial with military honors will follow at Hazardville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers John's family suggest donations in his memory be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.
If John could have a message to his friends and family it would be see you later, GO SOX!!! and God Bless!
John was an exceptional man in every aspect of his life. He loved God, his family, and every sport imaginable in that order with all his heart. John's amazing love for sports led him to many experiences throughout his life both as an athlete and spectator. From little league as a young boy, a boxer in the Navy, and an avid golfer and bowler throughout his life. Anyone who knew John knew his love for the outdoors as an exceptional hunter and fisherman that brought him to some of the most amazing experiences of his life that he shared with all and also where he met so many of his lifelong friends and extended family he held closest in his heart.
John was a true friend to everyone he met. He always listened to everyone that needed support and gave us sound advice always. He had an amazing way of making everyone feel wanted, loved and cared for.
John grew up one of five siblings, leaving behind his best friends, his brother and sister, Richard Guy Nelson and fiancée Mary Rowan, and Jackie Tuomala and her husband Jerry. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sally Baribault and June Burke. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Robert Mercik and a sister-in-law, Dar Licitra and her husband Bob.
John and Ro were grateful to be able to provide a summer home to their family in Averill, VT, where they were able to teach their children and grandchildren to unplug from the world which taught them many life lessons that would go on to shape their character's in the future. They made many of their lifelong friendships that they cherished in their second home eventually becoming the Blue House Crew. John always looked forward to the time they spent with one another, especially his five grandchildren of whom he couldn't have been prouder of, Dominique, John III, William, Danielle and Jeffrey. For his grandchildren he always had time whether it be playing cards or sharing stories. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply, who proudly call him "Uncle John".
In the later years John struggled with several health conditions and always still had time, a note of positivity, and a twinkle out of his blue eyes for all who came to visit. He was forever grateful to his daughter Rene who took extraordinary care of him the last several years and the support and love of his family, friends, and caregivers.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for calling hours on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 4-8 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT. A procession will gather at the funeral home on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 9:00 am for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Road, Enfield, CT. Burial with military honors will follow at Hazardville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers John's family suggest donations in his memory be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.
If John could have a message to his friends and family it would be see you later, GO SOX!!! and God Bless!