Gilbert Norman Nelson

Navy Veteran Established Lilla Fund To Aid The Neediest

Gilbert Norman Nelson, 82, of New Milford, died unexpectedly at his home, December 24. He was born August 16, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Andrea (Goethesen) and Arthur Nelson.

Mr Nelson is survived by his three children, including Karen and Tony Keating of Newtown; seven grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. His parents and brother, Roy, predeceased him.

He married Hazel Lillian Olsen on June 25, 1955. They were married for 51 years, until her death in 2006.

Mr Nelson graduated from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in marine transportation in 1953. He served in the US Navy, including time as lieutenant (jg) aboard the USS Abbot during combat in Korea. Following the war he remained in the naval reserve until 1966.

Following his military service, Mr Nelson had a long career focusing in sales and marketing at companies including General Electric, LFE Automatic Signal, Avco Lycoming, Nelson Education, Simrad, TDC Electronics, and Stockman and Associates across product lines such as lighting, marine electronics, educational electronics, and toll equipment.

Mr Nelson was especially proud of his Norwegian heritage and was active in many Norwegian-American clubs.

During his time in New Milford, Mr Nelson founded the Lilla Fund in memory of his loving wife to aid the neediest of the needy and to promote childhood reading. He dedicated a statue in front of the New Milford Library in her memory in 2011. Mr. Nelson was also active with veteran’s affairs, most notably pursuit of a Lone Sailor statue in the region.

Private services were held at the Lillis Funeral Home, New Milford, with the Rev Michael Moran officiating. Burial followed at the New Milford Center Cemetery.

The Newtown Bee        January 13, 2012