Bruce Lee Nelson

Bruce was born on June 19th, 1952 in Jamestown, New York and died in his home in Dunnellon FL on October 10, 2023.

Bruce was preceeded in death by his mother Deloris Saddler, father Richard Nelson and sisters Sharon Rizzo and Deborah Francis. Bruce will be loving remembered by his sister, Julie Cuzamano as well and his brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Cis Nelson respectively.

He will be forever missed by his wife of 43 years and best friend, Laurie Jean “Giddy” Nelson. His legacy is proudly carried on through his children, Ben, Rebecca, and Neal Nelson. He was a loving Gramps to eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Paige, Da’Nella, Xander, Armin Jr, Ashton, Arlo and Eamon.

Bruce was a graduate of Jamestown High school. While attending high school he worked as a baker at Jones’ bakery until joining the US Navy where he served on submarines. His military service came to an end when he was honorably discharged.

Bruce will be remembered by those who knew him by his incredible industrious spirt and resourceful nature. His carpentry skills on display as he meticulously remodeled his family’s long-time home in falconer, board by board. He was a savvy creator, a masterful improvisor and a solver of problems.

A renowned outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting all seasons of the year, keeping the family freezer full of wild game, and providing a thanksgiving turkey each holiday season.

Bruce spent time as a chef and eventually founded O&N tree service with his partner Jeff Ohlson. After meeting and marrying his wife, he started a career with the Jamestown Parks Department where he held the title of tree surgeon and park caretaker, eventually retiring after 30 years of service to the city.

Post Retirement he and Laurie moved from Falconer, New York to Port Charlotte, Florida where they lived for 10 years. Never one for idle time his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Trustee Viking Transport. As chief owner and operator he hauled classic cars all throughout the southeast. They later settled in Dunnellon, Florida.

As a Retiree he enjoyed spending time on his boat fishing, riding his motorcycle with his moose brothers and sisters and tinkering on his ham radio.

A stoic family man and true testament to the American Dream, Bruce put everything he had into being the best father he could be, his children and wife the sources of his greatest pride. They will miss him dearly. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce Lee Nelson, please visit our floral store.