Obituary: Daniel J. Nelson, 66, of Branford

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

Daniel J. Nelson, 66, of Branford died unexpectedly at his home on April 3, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. Sibiga Nelson for 30 years. Dan was born February 19, 1957, in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late James F. Nelson and Isabelle F. Sheehan Nelson Murphy. Besides Barbara, Dan is survived by his children, James Joseph (Brynn) Nelson of East Haddam, CT, Elizabeth Ann (Sean) Bolton of Brooklyn, CT, Brian Daniel Nelson, and James Patrick Nelson both of Branford; his precious grandchildren, Brady and Isabelle Bolton of Brooklyn, and Colton Joseph, Maddox Allan, and Bodie Scott Nelson all of East Haddam; his siblings, James (Donna) Nelson, Patricia (Roy) Wisnoski, Michael (Jan) Nelson, Joseph (Bonnie) Nelson, and David (Colleen) Nelson; his brother-in-law Richard Deney, and his sister-in-law Irene Nelson; his step-siblings, John Murphy, Bill (Nancy) Murphy, Maureen (Patrick) Judge, and Tim (Rhonda) Murphy. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Deney and brother Brian Nelson. He was a loving uncle to many, many nieces and nephews.

Dan graduated from West Seneca West High School in West Seneca, NY in 1975, where he excelled at basketball and soccer during his time there. He went on to play soccer at a collegiate level and graduated from Alfred College, Alfred, NY in 1979. Dan became a licensed Plumbing and Piping Unlimited Journeyperson; who worked at General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation in Groton for 44 years.

In his free time, Dan was an avid sports fan and loved the Buffalo Bills football team. It was always fun for him to go to live baseball and football games with his friends and family. He was devoted to watching his son’s various sports games and was always committed to improving their skills by practicing with them. He enjoyed working out at his local gym and completing water exercises in his pool. He always said, “You have to keep moving.” Dan loved spending time with his dogs and bonding with them over the years, starting with Kelly and Sammy, and ending with Roxy. Most of all, he treasured being with his family and always looked forward to family gatherings. Dan will be remembered as a kind, loving, and high-spirited man who was easy to get along with and loved by everyone around him.

Visiting hours are Monday, April 10th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning, April 11th, at 10:00 in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford.