Richard Nelson Obituary

Richard G. "Sarge" Nelson Sh, entered into eternal peace on April 20, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Richard Guy and Alice (Walsh) Nelson. Richard was born on July 6, 1935 in Springfield, MA and was raised at Shaker Pines Lake in Enfield, CT. He was one of five children. Besides his beloved, Mary E. Rowan of thirty years, Richard is survived by his sister Jackie Tuomala and her husband Jerry of NC, his children, Richard Guy Nelson IV and his wife Brenda of CT, Keith Nelson of UT, his daughter Alicia and her husband Danny McMillian of UT, his stepchildren, Lynne Percival of TX and Vincent Manso of AR, his loving grandchildren, Richard Guy Nelson V and Michelle Safin, Kristina Burke and her husband Chris, James Nelson and his wife Arreerat, Alicia Nelson, Ricky Dougan, Carolann Schack, Ricky Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Christopher Cole, Blake Sowell and Ryan Manso, his great grandchildren, many nieces (including Rene Alderman who held a special place in his heart, like a daughter), nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his sisters June Burke and Sally Nelson, and his brother John L. Nelson. He also leaves behind his extended family, Karen E. Rowan, Kathleen A. Giordano and her husband John, Sheila A. Beaudry and her husband Daniel, Edmond J. Rowan Sh and his wife Kimberly, his grandchildren, John J. Giordano Jr. , Nicholas T. Giordano, Gabrielle M. Bodian and her husband Josh, Michael D. Beaudry, and Ayleen L. Rowan. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with the children, whether it was a game of baseball, playing dominos, going fishing, playing a competitive game of cards, or telling his life stories. It also brought him much joy to give to others. He would spend time in his workshop to create furniture for his grandchildren, family and friends. He also enjoyed a round of golf with family and the Hallmark Golf League. After high school Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for twenty years. While in the military, he was a Feather Weight boxer and a Badminton Champion in Iceland. He coached numerous little league teams, pony league teams, and refereed high school and college, football, baseball and basketball. After serving his country he became a professional baseball umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB). After retirement, he taught umpire school at Henry Wendelstedt Umpire School, where he was named Top Student. He then taught for another twenty years at the Jim Evans Academy as Chief of Staff. He has taught clinics all over the world including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Puerto Rico, London, Iceland, Scotland, Austria, France, Japan, Amsterdam, Czech Republic and Canada. Richard is an internationally published author of two books, Manual For The Two-Umpire System and Maximizing The Two-Umpire System, that are still utilized by umpires to this day. Richard was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and the Enfield Connecticut Athletic Hall of Fame. He presented at numerous clubs, including the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club. He always enjoyed speaking, whether it was locally or internationally. Richard will always be remembered for his willingness to help others in need. He would lend a compassionate ear and offer guidance. Whether it was family, friends, or students, they all expressed their deepest gratitude for his support. For his students, he could be a tough teacher by day, and then sit with them until daybreak if they needed his loving support. He always referred to his students as "my boys". Many have shared that they would not be where they are in life, if it was not for "Sarge". Richard suffered for years with medical challenges, but he never complained. He was an amazing man and had a tremendous spirit to live fully and be with his loved ones. With heartfelt gratitude, we especially thank his exemplary hospice team. Their loving care made his last days as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Thank you, Amanda Roberge, Erin Holder, Jillian Hess and the entire hospice staff, you truly are angels on earth. God has taken him home so he can finally rest in peace. We will miss his loving smile, twinkling blue eyes, amazing stories of his life adventures and his famous saying, "because, I said so". Now you are in heaven with the angels, and we know that you will always be watching over us. We love you always and forever. Visitation hours will be held from 4-7 p. m. Friday, April 28th, 2023 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd. , Enfield. Family and friends will gather at 9:30 a. m. Saturday April 29th, at Leete-Stevens for a procession to St. Martha Church, 214 Brainard Rd. Enfield, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a. m. Committal with military honors, will follow at St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave online condolences, please visit www. Leetestevens. com