John Nelson

John Edward Nelson, age 73, of Berwyn, PA, formerly of Wayne, PA, passed away on February 24, 2021.   Born in New Kensington, PA, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Martha Nelson (nee Heinrich).  John had been employed in the Environmental Services Department at Paoli Memorial Hospital.

John loved his family above all.  He made his wife of 54 years, children and grandchildren his number one priority.  John was happiest when surrounded by his family for Sunday dinners, on vacation in Ocean City, NJ, or during any time spent together with family.  His favorite week of the year was spent in Ocean City, NJ relaxing the days away on the beach and nights on the boardwalk.  Every night ended with George’s Ice Cream and late-night pizza, playing cards and board games until the early morning hours. He was always the fun Pappy, taking the kids on the rides that no one else wanted to ride, the faster and higher the ride went he was up for the challenge.  John was known for his selflessness, his character and his great smile that came from within.  John was the life of the party and loved to make others happy.  You always knew when he was around because of the loud rock and roll music he liked to play.  John also enjoyed playing basketball with his grandkids and swimming out too far in the ocean (the lifeguards would blow the whistle for him to come in).  He loved deeply and was loved by all.

John was a lifelong volunteer for many of his children’s sports team, scouting groups and later in life a supporter and volunteer of the Devon Horse Show and County Fair.  He could also be seen on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s events, from sports games, to karate, and school plays, or watching his grandchildren volunteer, you name it he was there shouting loudly, clapping in earnest and beaming with pride for his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, Robert Nelson.   He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole M. Nelson (nee Hiland), his loving children Michael Nelson of Conshohocken Pa, Lorri Stiebritz (William) of East Fallowfield, PA, John Nelson Jr of Nazareth, Pa,  and Sara Orrell (Reverdy) of Windsor, Pa, and his dear grandchildren Hunter and Colton Stiebritz and Jackson and Beckett Orrell.   Also survived by his brother Benjamin Nelson (June), his sister-in-law Barbara Nelson and his brother in law Robert (Bud) Hiland (Lisa Asman).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Thursday, March 4, 2021 9:45-10:45 AM at Berwyn United Methodist Church, 140 Waterloo Road, Berwyn, PA and to his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.   Interment Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

Masks are to be worn when visiting the family, to the Funeral Service and Cemetery.   Social distancing is to be observed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Delaware Valley Pug Rescue, info@dvpr.org, P.O. Box 861, Avondale, PA 19311 or to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 would be appreciated.

John’s Funeral Service will be livestreamed on the Donohue Funeral Home Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/