WORCESTER – Joseph B. Nelson, Jr., 86, departed from his loved ones on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.



He was born February 25, 1925 in Worcester, the son of Joseph B. Nelson Sr. and Ada (Bedell) Nelson.



Joe was a life time Worcester resident. He graduated from Worcester Central School at the age of 17, shortly after he enlisted into the United States Coast Guard serving during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He served on the USS Richey DE385 and participated in the European campaign, Africa, China, Alaska and the Occupation of Japan.



He married Angelina Hren on December 29, 1946. Angie passed away June 27, 1994. He then married Karen Smith on May 24, 1996.



Joe was the owner of his family business for 65 years, Nelson's Garage, Inc in Worcester, and up until recently went to work everyday.



He was proud to be involved in many local organizations and activities, including, life member of the Worcester Fire Department, serving as Commissioner and Assistant Fire Chief, and the Worcester American Legion No. 1584, serving as past Commander and Adjutant for 20 years. Also a member of the Schenevus VFW Post 2752, Otsego County American Legion, The Destroyers Escort Sailors Association, Worcester Town Assessor and Councilman, Schenevus Valley Masonic Lodge No. 592, the Worcester Historical Society, the Worcester United Methodist church where he taught Sunday School and recently still sang with the choir. He was on the Board for the Worcester Central School Building and Planning Committee and the Maple Grove Cemetery Association. Joe was active with the Boys Scouts, Boys State, Worcester Little League, Softball League and Bowling League. He was an avid Civil War buff, collected stamps, enjoyed reading, camping and traveling. He was always thoughtful of others and will be dearly missed by many.



He is survived by his wife, Karen Nelson of Worcester; children, Gerri (Wayne) French of Russell, Joseph III (Peggy) Nelson of Worcester, Jo-Ann (J. Alton) Ellis of Worcester and Ana Smith of Worcester; grandchildren, Dr. Kelly (Mark) Scott, Tracy French, Kimberly (Bryan) Trembelay, Shannon (Joe) Hunt, Amanda Nelson, Joseph Nelson IV, Richmond (Wendy) Ellis, James (Kathleen) Ellis and Scott Parot; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.



He was predeceased by a son, Danny Nelson and a brother, Richard Nelson.



Calling hours will be held 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the E.J. Skinner Funeral Chapel in Worcester.



The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11th at the Worcester United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Susan Wenner, officiating and the Rev. Judith Thistle, participating.



Interment with military honors will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester.



In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Worcester American Legion Post 1584, PO Box 363, Worcester, NY 12197, USS Slater DE766, PO Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201-1926 or to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.



Online condolences may sent to, www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com



The E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester, is serving the family.