Obituary of Carl A. Nelson

Carl A. Nelson Stuart, Fla. - Carl A. Nelson, 69, passed away on Friday morning, September 2, 2011, at the Hospice of Palm Beach in Atlantis, Fla. Born in Jersey City, Carl grew up in Cranford and resided in South Plainfield from 1969 to 2005. He moved to Stuart, Fla. in 2005. Carl graduated from Cranford High School, where he was on the football team and active in other sports. Carl enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961. He served on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, served during the Cuban missile crisis. While in the Navy, Carl visited many European ports of call such as Cannes, and in 1964 was honorably discharged. Carl married his wife, Mary, in 1969. While living in South Plainfield, Carl was a member of Sacred Heart RC Church, the Deutscher Club of Clark, the YMCA Indian Guides, Boy Scout Troop 309, and the Father's Club of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen. Carl was an active member of the St. .Joseph's Fathers Club for 27 years. During his tenure, he served on the executive board and helped chair numerous functions & committees. He was most proud of his position as kitchen director and head cook during this time. He was honored in 2007 with a plaque dedicated to his name in appreciation of all his efforts in coordinating all food functions for the club. The plaque is proudly displayed outside the kitchen wall where he worked so tirelessly. Carl worked for the A.K. Stamping Company of Mountainside for 20 years. He was an experienced machinist and a tool and die maker, specializing in precision production. He retired from A.K. in 2003. Carl was a compassionate, caring, and energetic man who enjoyed life to the fullest, never being discouraged by life''s challenges. He was dedicated to his immediate and extended families. Carl worked incredibly hard at all of his numerous endeavors. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, landscaping, home repair, and woodworking. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Nelson, who died March 29, 2009. Carl leaves behind his son, Carl A. Nelson, Jr. of High Bridge, and his sister, Alice Wallace of Cranford. Also left is a dearest close friend Helen Gall, many close family members, and many others who's lives he touched. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 10 beginning at 9:15 AM in the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, followed by a 10:00 AM funeral Mass at Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield. Cremation will be held privately. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday, September 9, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM and on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 AM until the service time