Richard A. Nelson

On Wednesday, January 25, Richard A. Nelson, beloved husband, passed away. He was eighty-eight. Born to Anna and Edward Nelson, Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Richard was a successful corporate controller with Kraft Foods for 35 years.
Richard was passionate about faith, family, and friends. He had an infectious sense of humor and enjoyed sharing jokes. He was a very positive person and always saw the good in people. He was raised in Minnesota, then moved to New Jersey in 1970 and Brethren Village in Pennsylvania in 2019. He loved classical music, crossword puzzles, reading, skiing, playing tennis, golf, and Five Crowns. He enjoyed traveling, and a favorite trip destination was Vienna with his wife Joyce. He enjoyed following Minnesota football, both the University of Minnesota Gophers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Richard is survived by his wife Joyce, and children Jill Nelson (Kevin Cutler), Barbara Nelson Cullen (Mike Frick), step children: Jim Alexander, Scott Alexander, and Beth Alexander Diehm (Glen Diehm), 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Richard is preceded in death by his first wife Sandie, sister Shirley, and niece Cathy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 28 at 2:00pm at the Brethren Village Chapel, Lititz, PA.

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  • Dear Joyce,Barbara and Family,
    What a joy it was to have known Richard! We remember fondly the dinners we had together around the table. The conversations were interesting and His laugh was contagious ! He was such a kind man!
    We send hugs out to you all and know that we are with you in thoughts and prayer!
    Love Mike,Angela and family

  • Joyce the day we met you and Richard had just moved into HVE. Anxious to meet our new neighbors, as you were jogging home one morning, I invited you in to meet my husband, so happy to meet you.
    Richard was a determined warrior who faced many challenges while always maintaining his sense of humor.
    Joyce you were the dedicated care taker, setting aside your love of community.
    Peace and love to you dear friend. My deepest sorrow at the loss of your beloved Richard.

  • Joyce, I’m so very sorry for your loss of Richard. Hard to believe I was only with him twice when we met up in Florida. I felt like I really knew him. Such a nice, funny, down to earth man. With beautiful green eyes. Even though you told me they were blue. I think I’ll always remember him telling me my birthday, May 17th, was on Norwegian Independence Day. Proud of his heritage for sure. My heart is sad for you and at the same time I’m happy you had him in your life to love and be truly loved in return. My thoughts and my prayers are with you. My deepest condolences to all your family and Richard’s family as well.
    Much love, Joanne

  • I was so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Joyce and Richard were out next door neighbors for several years. They were always so upbeat and pleasant, it was delight to get to talk and catch up. Richard was always so cheerful and funny even as he dealt with increased limits. My love to his family and friends as this is a real loss of a special person. May his life be for a blessing and may your memories bring you joy.

  • I am so very heartbroken over the loss of Richard. Joyce and family, my sincerest heartfelt condolences to you!! I loved working with him, he was always so funny!!! He is at peace and not in pain any longer!! My heart goes out to all of you!!
    With Love Always,
    Carrie Almodovar, HHA (Covenant Home Care)

  • Joyce,
    Kathleen and I were so sorry to hear about Richard. He was one of those rare people who make an impression the minute you meet him. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and his positive outlook on life. I will always remember his sing-a-longs, and playing five crown with both of you. Richard will stay in our memories, and you will both be in our prayers.

  • Have heard lovely things about Mr. Nelson. We are sorry to hear of his passing and hope the joyful memories ease the pain of his loss ❤️ Our prayers are with you all.

  • I am absolutely heartbroken over the loss of my Uncle Dick. He was a constant in my life growing up as his wife Sandy was my mother’s sister. I very fondly remember vacations, family events, and holidays with Uncle Dick, Aunt Sandy, and my cousins Jill and Barb. Uncle Dick was always incredibly kind and funny. I remember when he proudly showed us his new beautiful bar in his basement, and I will never forget my last dinner with him and my aunt Sandy, before she passed, nor the week I spent with them as a teen, they made me feel so special and loved. He was a kind, gentle soul, and I’m so grateful Joyce was there for him and took care of him after my Aunt Sandy passed. I miss you already, Uncle Dick, but I know for a fact you are still alive and happier than you have ever been, in heaven. We will see you again when it is our time to go home. Until then…

  • Richard was an intelligent, caring and kind man who enjoyed life, and loved telling jokes. He was a man who was respected and loved, and was fortunate to have such a wonderful wife, family and friends. May Richard Rest In Peace with God.

  • Richard was a delightful, positive, kind & brilliant man who will be greatly missed by many, especially the family . Thank you for the deep love you had for my sister. We will miss you terribly Richard but take comfort that one day we’ll join you in Heaven

  • Joyce sorry for your loss I know you will miss him he is with God and his suffering is over. Love and prayers your friend always Alice

  • Joyce and family my heartfelt condolence Richard was a great man and I know how happy you and Richard were sorry for your loss I know you will miss him please know you always have my love and support love you your old friend Alice

  • My condolences to Richards wife Joyce and children! I loved Richards great sense of humor! He was such a nice kind gentleman! Not many left like him! May god give you all the strength needed to more forward! RIP Richard!

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