Edward L. Nelson, Jr.

Edward L. Nelson, Jr., 76, of Columbia, MD, and Berkeley Springs, WV, died June 29 at home. He suffered from metastatic bladder cancer for almost a decade. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Nelson of Webster, MA.

Mr.Nelson was born, April, 2, 1934 in Worcester, MA, and grew up in Webster, MA, where he graduated from Bartlett High School. After attending Yale University, he graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. He later did post-graduate work in engineering at Columbia University. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. His marriage to the former Patricia Hallaren ended in 1973.

Mr. Nelson spent most of his career in the electrical engineering field, working for Hazeltine Corporation in New York, NY and Singer Corporate in Bridgeport, CT. In 1964, he and his family moved to Alexandria, VA where he worked for Atlantic Research Corporation. The following year, he joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation at the Defense Center in Linthicum, MD, where he worked on several Radar Programs until his retirement in 1991.

While at Westinghouse he hired Kathy Shay and they spent the last 34 years of his life together. They purchased 3 acres and a "Cabin Shell" in Berkeley Springs in 1983 and Mr. Nelson built the inside into a livable and lovable weekend getaway. He taught software computer packages for educational companies in Falls Church, VA and Columbia, MD for three years after retirement. He and Kathy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially trips to Myrtle Beach, SC. He also enjoyed opera, symphonic music, singing, crossword puzzles, exploring new restaurants, computer projects, thriller TV series, sailing and photography. He mostly enjoyed all the time he spent in Berkeley Springs at the Cabin.

He is survived by his companion of 34 years Kathy Shay of Columbia, MD, a daughter Kristen Nelson of Chevy Chase, MD, a son Mark Nelson of Bethesda, MD, wife Maureen and two grandsons: Nicholas John and Alexander Luke Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at the Glyndon United Methodist Church, 4713 Butler Rd. Glyndon, MD 21071 at 11:30 AM on Saturday, August 7, 2010 with a luncheon immediately following in the Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alano Club (AA affiliated) at 9231 Rumsey Road, Columbia, MD 21045 or the American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Dr., Baltimore, MD 21236

Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com