January 22, 1941 – January 22, 2024
Richard “Rick” L. Nelson, a lifelong resident of Reading, passed away at the age of 83 on January 22, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his large, loving family, who meant the world to him. Rick was born on January 22, 1941, and was the son of the late J. Ludwig and Laura Z. (Tutty) Nelson.
Rick graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1958 and served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1966 and served the town for 30 years. Following his retirement in 1996, he continued to advocate for his fellow police officers by working as a business agent for the Massachusetts Coalition of Police until 2011.
Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Rick and his pin-adorned hat knew of his deep-rooted love for music. He was a trumpeter while he served in the army, and later fell in love with Celtic music. This inspired him to learn to play the fiddle and form his own group called Downeast Revival. In addition to playing with his band, he was also a member of the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club for many years. If you were looking for Rick on a Friday night, you’d find him downstairs at the pub of the Canadian American Club playing music, singing a tune, and just enjoying himself. This music club, located in Watertown, is a social and charitable organization which promotes the traditional music of the Canadian Maritimes. Rick continued his service to others by acting as an executive officer of this special place.
Rick was the beloved husband of his wife of 52 years, Susan (MacIsaac) Nelson. He was the devoted father of Llara Nelson of Malden, Richard Nelson and his wife Amy of Wakefield and Ian Nelson and his wife Marcy of Reading. He was the proud Papa of his five grandchildren: Rick, Tyler, Jack, Abby and Madeline. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Rick made friends wherever he went and will be missed by his Last Corner Restaurant Family, a place he cherished.
Visitation hours will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading, on Friday, January 26, from 4-8pm. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 27, at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to the:
Canadian American Club of Watertown
202 Arlington Street
Watertown, MA 02472
