Nelson S. Fox of Erie, PA, formerly of Sherburne and Smyrna, NY, died on July 31, 2026, after a short illness.
Born on June 22, 1948, in Otselic, NY, to Nelson and Pearl Fox. “Sonny” was the eldest of eight children: Joyce, Martha, Mary, James, Floyd, Richard and Alan who all survive him.
Sonny served in the United States Army and fought in Vietnam in 1969-1970. He came back to New York and worked in the family service station until being hired by the NYS Corrections Department until his retirement in 2008.
Sonny married Roberta (McGregor) in 1980. They had four children: Annette (Scott), Jessica (Craig), William (Amanda) and Jonathan (Christie) who also survive him. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Kendra, Grace, Joyelle, Emilia, Leah, CJ, Connor and Justin May all of Erie, PA, and Autumn and Damon of Oneonta, NY. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Sonny was known for a time for his woodworking skills and frequented craft shows in NY. He was also a member of the Sherburne Fire Department and American Legion.
Sonny was stoic, stubborn and quiet in some crowds, but would gladly discuss politics, family genealogy and history with any willing ear. He thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his dogs in his later years, most recently his equally stubborn German Shepard, Sadie.
In his retirement Sonny enjoyed traveling and participating in Army Wolfhound reunions with special friends Ed, Carlos, LT and Bobby. After many years of not speaking about his time in Vietnam, he became passionate about participating in conversations with other veterans and supporting all veterans.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws Donald “Red” and Joyce McGregor.
The family requests donations be made in his honor to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Sherburne Fire Department.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A short service with Military Honors will be held immediately following at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, NY 13460.
To leave an online condolence, visit our website at: www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.