IN MEMORIAM: Joseph B. Nelson III, 66;
Nelson Garage Owner Stricken Hunting
WORCESTER – Joseph B. Nelson III, 66, who operated his family’s century-old business, Nelson’s Garage, on Main Street, died of a heart attack on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, while with his hunting companions, son Joey and cousin John Hren.
He was born Sept 4, 1953, in Oneonta, to Joseph B. Nelson Jr. and Angelina (Hren) Nelson. Joe graduated in 1972 from Worcester Central School. He married Peggy Coombs on Sept. 18, 1976.
He worked in Oneonta for a short time before joining the family business, and has been there ever since. He was so proud of the fact that coming up in 2020 Nelson’s Garage has been in business for 100 years, with a Nelson always owning and operating the business.
Joe joined the Worcester Hose Company out of high school and had been a member now for 47 years. The fire department has always been an important part of his life. Between the associations with the fire department and living and working in the town his entire life, he had many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Peggy; their children, Kimberly Tremblay, Shannon (Joe) Hunt, Amanda (Kurt) Owen, and Joseph B. Nelson IV and wife, Katie; seven grandchildren, Addyson and Avery Tremblay, Carter and Benjamin Hunt, Olivia, Jacob and Claire Owen. He is also survived by sisters, Geraldine (Wayne) French and Jo-Ann (Rick) Scheiner; brothers-in-law, Jerry Coombs and Bill (Melissa) Coombs; sister-in-law, Kathy McTaggart; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Danny Nelson, in-laws, Jerry and Peggy Coombs, and brother-in-law J. Alton Ellis.
Family was the most important thing in Joe’s life, with his many friends being a close second. He loved hunting, camping, snowmobiling, most outdoors activities, but especially barbecuing with family and friends.
Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, Main Street, Worcester, with the funeral starting at noon. The Rev. Daniel Martin will be officiating.
Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Hose Company, PO Box 430, or the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com
Arrangements are by the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester.
My heart goes out to the family. It is so tragic that we lost a wonderful person.
Like the song says, “Who’s gonna fill their shoes….” Our family has done business with Mr. Nelson for a long time and I myself have always viewed him as a pillar of Worcester. I’m gonna miss him, always had a smile when I needed repairs. God be with him and his family at their time of need.
Peggy,
It’s been a long, long time since I lived and worked in Worcester. You were a vey dedicated person to your family, school district and comuunity. Please accept my condolences for your loss. I remember having work done on my vehicle and trusted Joe to provide quality service. He was a genuine and honest gentleman. God bless and may He keep you and your family in His arms forever.
Dick and Kathy Mabbett
Moravia, NY