David H. Nelson

Nelson, David, 78, of Seminole, died 6 December 2013. Born in Oakland, California, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering and was recruited by the Federal Government. He served in the Federal Government for over 37 years in and around Washington, D.C. During that time he earned a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctorate in Engineering from George Washington University. He was known for his technical ability and his supervisory skills. He attended Marine basic training in Paris Island and was in the reserves for 10 years. In 1960, he married Carol McAlear and remained married until her death in 1990. They had two children, Sheila and Kevin. In 1994 he retired and went for a maiden and only trip in his newly purchased Winnie. He then settled in Florida. In 2000, David married Joyce Nagel. Kevin married Lori Christensen in 2006, leading to his two beautiful granddaughters, Lucy and Ava. David's most avid interests were as a tennis player and amateur genealogist, but he had a great appetite for knowledge in all things. David spent many years as president of his condo association, where his hard work and dedication were appreciated by many. He will be remembered for his integrity, his helpfulness and his kindness. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Joyce Nagel Nelson of Seminole, FL; sister Anne Petrik of Gasquet, CA; daughter Sheila Nelson of Silver Spring, MD; son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters, Kevin, Lori, Lucy and Ava Nelson of Apex, NC. He will also be greatly missed by members brought to his family by Joyce, children Deacon David Nagel of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, Kris and Rusty Wheelock of Whitlaw, Wisconsin, Karen & Mel Henry of Ingles, Florida, Kathy and Myron Soman of New Port Richey, Florida, John and Dee Nagel of Rayne, Louisiana and their 13 children and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial service at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg at 11 am on Saturday, December 14, 2013. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 9:30 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD followed by burial at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD. Donations in lieu of flowers to Suncoast Hospice, where he spent his final hours, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.