Obituary of Daniel W. Nelson

Daniel W. Nelson, 77, of 25 Hilldale Avenue, died Thursday, August 4, 2016, at UPMC Hamot Hospital. A lifelong Jamestown resident, Dan was born on June 11, 1939, a son of the late Carl and Marguerite "Peg" Magnuson Nelson. Dan graduated from Jamestown High School in 1957, and he earned an associate's degree in business administration from Jamestown Community College in 1977. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1959 – 1961. Dan worked for many years at MRC-TRW, beginning his career as a draftsman in 1957, working as an engineer in the 1960s, and holding several management positions in quality control and materials management from 1970 – 1981. He worked for Cummins' Jamestown Engine Plant from 1981 – 1995, serving as a purchasing team manager and a commodity manager. Dan returned to work at MRC-TRW (by then, SKF) in 1996 as the aerospace materials manager until his retirement in 2004. He was very active in the community for years, holding leadership positions in the many organizations and clubs to which he donated his time and talents. Dan was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served as vice president of the church council and chairman of the finance committee. He was also a president of the Jamestown High School Music Boosters, a president of Jamestown Little League's American Division, a treasurer of Vikings Lodge, a board member of the Jamestown American Red Cross, a president and director of the Jamestown Area Bowling Association, and a member of Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and Celoron Skeet and Trap Club. For many years, Dan was also a member of "The Crew" that supported and traveled with the Jamestown High School Marching Band. Dan deeply loved his family. He was a devoted husband of 52 years and a wonderful father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed attending school and sports events for his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Dan was also an avid reader, golfer and New York Giants football fan. Surviving are his wife Dianne White Nelson, whom he married on July 8, 1964; two children Daniel (Megan) Nelson of McLean, VA and Debra (James) Sharpe of Jamestown; and four grandchildren Jack and Rachel Nelson of McLean and Alexander and Evan Sharpe of Jamestown. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Justyn Johnson. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Alan W. Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Lind Funeral Home. Memorials if desired may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 904 W. Third Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (with reference to "for PPA research"), c/o Edna Gilliam, John Hopkins University SOM, Phipps 446, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.