Obituary: Christopher Nelson, 72, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Christopher Nelson of Branford passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor Wilcox Nelson of Branford. He was the father of Evan Nelson and Daniel (Ashley) Nelson, both of Branford. He was the brother of Daniel (Susan) Nelson of San Antonio, FL, Carla (Roger) Ashby of Newport News, VA, Mary Nelson and Christine Nelson, both of Atlanta, GA, Cindy (Mark) Edwards of Hayesville, NC, and Robert Ali of Casper, WY, the brother-in-law of John (Rita) Wilcox of Boca Raton, FL and Elizabeth Dillon of Milford, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brayden, Kayalynn, and Kaliana Miller-Nelson, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Chris was born in Staten Island, NY on February 9, 1951, a son of Frederick and Anita Walkamo Nelson. He was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Nelson, Jr. and niece, Linda Kunecki.

Chris was raised by his aunt and uncle, Josephine and Louis Chapperon. Chris was the apple of their eyes and they were thrilled to be his step parents. Chris had 7 siblings, some on his father’s side and some on his mother’s side. While he grew up as an only child, he always treasured his relationships with his brothers and sisters.

Chris and Eleanor were married in 1971 and would have celebrated 52 years in October. They had a loving and devoted marriage and were best friends and soulmates. They were very active and especially enjoyed traveling and attending concerts. They were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Madison for the past 30 years. They are grateful for the knowledge of eternal families.

Chris was a wonderful husband and father of his two sons. He was always there for his family and maintained a close relationship with his adult sons. The family took many trips through the years, including visiting relatives in Finland in 2007, and many memories were created that will always be remembered fondly.

Chris was an accomplished carpenter. He built several homes and did various building and remodeling projects over the years. In the 1980s, he co-owned a Century 21 real estate office. Later, he transitioned to doing property management and repair work. In recent years, he worked at several auto dealerships, most recently Premier Subaru where he worked as a valet in the Service Department. He was well liked and respected by his coworkers.

Chris enjoyed music. As a teenager, he played the drums in a local band and was especially proud of having played at an event at Pardee Park in Branford.

Chris had a great sense of humor and enjoyed jokes and puns. He was an aficionado of Mad Magazine throughout his life.

Chris was an animal lover. He loved his dogs Yogi and Julie, his many cats, especially Smokey and Alice, and his turtle of 45 years who passed away in 2018. He was an animal whisperer, and they seemed to know how much he loved animals as they would always go to him.

Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 275 Warpas Road, Madison. Burial will follow in Branford Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford.