VENICE, Fla. – Richard “Ricky” M. Nelson, 52, died March 9, 2007, at his home, after a long-term illness. He was born May 20, 1953, in Bangor. Ricky attended John Bapst High School and later graduated from Bangor High School. Ricky loved sports and was an avid ball player, which led to a short-term career with the NFL, as a free agent for both the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49’ers. Ricky went on to serve four years in the Armed Forces and later trained as a chef in the San Francisco Bay area. Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Bates) Nelson of Florida; two daughters, Melissa Nelson of Illinois and Nicole Franklin of Maine; his beloved granddaughters, Madi-son and Cassidy Franklin of Maine; a nephew, whom he lovingly called “King,” R.K. Lytle of California; his sister, Rita (Nelson) Lytle of California; his cousin, Jimmy Nelson of Maine; as well as numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. Ricky was predeceased by his father, Richard “Shad” L. Nelson; mother, Irene (Black) Hull; stepfather, Robert W. Hull; paternal grandparents, Murray and Gertrude Nelson; maternal grandparents, Ora and Mary Black. There will be no memorial services. The interment will be private. The family has requested any memorial contributions be made to the Hos-pice Program in Venice, Fla.
RICHARD ‘RICKY’ M. NELSON
