Obituary of Gene R. Nelson

Gene R. Nelson, 85, of Lakewood, NY, passed away at 5:58 am Sunday, December 11, 2022, in the Star Hospice House, Lakewood, NY, surrounded by his daughters. Gene, also known as Beanie, Fred, or Nelson, was born October 21, 1937, in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Clarence E. and Ruth Nelson. Before his retirement in 1995, he was employed by the Village of Lakewood Department of Public Works for 38 years, the last ten years as a supervisor. Gene was a life member of the Lakewood Fire Department serving as an active member for 31 years from 1956-1987. During his service in the fire department, he responded to over 4500 alarms. He was also a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286, American Legion. He will be remembered as a loving and caring father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed riding his lawnmower, woodworking, and taking care of his home. He also loved his Saturday night dinner dates with his late wife Sarah at the Rod & Gun club. Surviving are his three daughters; Lisa (Jim) Johnson, Lynne Nelson, Jane (Tom) Pilling all of Lakewood, NY, three grandchildren; Tyler (Alyssa) Johnson of Stockton, NY, Jacob (Shaunah)Pilling of West Ellicott, NY, Joshua (Jessica Lachner) Pilling of Lakewood, NY, and five great grandchildren, Cole Daughenbauh, Bentley Williams, Novalyne Johnson, Brooklyn Johnson, Violet Jean Pilling, as well as his grand dogs, Toby and Jaxson. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Sarah J. Farnsworth Nelson whom he married April 5, 1958, and who died December 21, 2021, a grandson, Kyle R. Johnson, a brother, Kenneth Nelson, and two sisters, Clarice R. DeSantis and Viola F. Nelson. The funeral will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Adam Rohler, pastor of the First Covenant Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 – 12 pm Wednesday, two hours prior to the service in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Lakewood Fire Department, 37 Packard Ave. Lakewood, NY 14701 or to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care (hospice house) 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.