McDONOUGH – Richard H. Nelson Sr., 83, of McDonough, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at his home.
Mr. Nelson was born in German, on Dec. 18, 1928, a son of the late John and Anna Olson Nelson. A lifelong resident of the area, he was a member of the German Baptist Church. He retired from the NYS DOT after 20 plus years of service. He was a member of the McDonough Fire Department and in his earlier years was active with the Fire Police. He was a social member of the American Legion Post #1478, McDonough.  He loved to play cards and visit with his friends at the local diner.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Esther Marie Rosenkrans Nelson; a son, Richard H. (Susan) Nelson, Jr. of Gillett, Pa.; his daughters, Mary Ann Hodge of McDonough, Linda (David) Brewer of Norwich, and Cindy Lou Wilcox of Hamilton. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, with a special thank you to Carrie Warren, Nicole Moore, and Tracy Thompson, for being their grandfather’s angels; 20 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold Nelson of Cortland; a sister, Ann Coy of South New Berlin; a sister-in-law, Catherine Nelson of Norwich; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, at 2 p.m. Wednesday with Reverend Richard Rosenkrans, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery, German, at a later date. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service. 
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Nelson may be directed to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13835 or the American Legion Post #1478, McDonough, NY 13801. To leave a personal message for the family, visit www.klsharpfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice of Chenango County for all the care provided during Mr. Nelson’s sickness. Your friendship and support will always be remembered.