Nelson Emmanuel Segla Tamakloe, 76, of Sandy Hook, died December 16, at home, after a long illness. He was born October 10, 1942, in Lagos, Nigeria, and was the son of Gilbert Demetrius Adaleteh Tamakloe and Rhoda Kate Oyeyemi Bajulaiye.

After graduating from the University of Ghana in 1965 with a degree in administration, he came to the United States for what was supposed to be a temporary textile internship in Rhode Island, where he met his future wife. He studied at Columbia University and Baruch, obtained his CPA license, and began a long career in finance, working for CBS, Merck, Union Carbide, and finally Praxair, from which he retired after more than 25 years of service.

In Mr Tamakloe’s social life, he was a former Rotary Club member, popular soccer coach, and longtime member of the Newtown United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school and was a lay preacher. A champion of higher education, he enjoyed mentoring young people both in the local community and abroad in Nigeria and Ghana, encouraging academic and professional success.

His loving wife of 40 years, Sylvia, who cared for him faithfully throughout his illness; a son, Nelson K. Tamakloe of Northampton, Mass.; a daughter, Rhoda of Sandy Hook; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins survive him.

In addition to his parents, his brothers, Gift, Ernest, Cyril (Macaulay), Vidal, and Harold; and sisters, Victoria, Jane, Ashia, Peace, Comfort, Beatrice, Grace, Caroline, and Doris, predeceased him.

Calling hours are Friday, December 28, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, December 29, at 11 am, in the Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook. Burial will be private.