MADISON – Gerald “Gary” Nelson Jr., 88, formally of Millinocket and Davenport, Fla., lost his long battle with cancer Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. Gary was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, to Gerald Sr. and Frances (Hill) Nelson. At the age of 18, Gary became a page at the Ohio State Capital. The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed he enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps. While stationed in Houlton, Gary met the love of his life, Geraldine Herron, at a USO dance, where she volunteered. Gary became a corporal in five weeks, his entire military stint overseas was served in London. He survived the Baby Blitz, where he endured nightly air raids. He was wounded several times and was a decorated veteran. After World War II, Gary opened a dry cleaning and laundry business in Houlton and later in Millinocket. He also owned the Pink Elephant Antique Store and loved to dicker. After retiring Gary and his wife, Jerry, traveled extensively before finding a winter home in Davenport, Fla. He loved traveling, flying airplanes, boating, fishing, playing cards, visiting his many friends and collecting unusual cars. Gary was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Geraldine “Jerry” (Herron) Nelson; his sister, Patricia Largeant; and brother, Stanley Nelson. He is survived by daughter, Pamela Norris and son-in-law, Harold Norris, of Madison and their daughter, Katharine Norris, of Skowhegan; a son, Daniel Nelson and his fiancee, Susan, and daughter, Janelle, all of Millinocket; daughter, Nancy Nelson of Millinocket and her son, Jesse Meunier, of Hondo, Texas; son, Randy Nelson and his son, Jonathan, of Madison; a dear friend, Marjorie Mosher; a close family friend, Cathy Chapman; his much loved nieces and nephews in Ohio, and great friends from Florida to Maine. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Robinson Memorial Cemetery, Moscow, with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Somerset Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976. Arrangements are by Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison.
GERALD ‘GARY’ NELSON JR.
