Obituary of Robert Nels Nelson

Robert Nelson, 85, of Thorndike, Maine, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on Nov. 3, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Agnes (Larrabee) Nelson. Bob was always a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born in Norwood, Mass. Oct. 29th, 1940, he was the second born son of the late Oscar and Marjorie (Taylor) Nelson. Bob was raised in Plainville, Mass. And was a graduate of King Phillip High School in Norfolk, Mass. He joined the United States Air Force Feb.1960 and was honorably discharged Feb. 1966.

Bob worked for several years at Bryant steel Works In Knox, Maine as a machinist. He worked 3 years in Boston Mass. at McCalls Magazine Company. Bob and family moved back to Maine and he worked at Cooper Wey moth in Clinton, after that he worked at Scott Paper in Winslow as a maintenance Machinist until he retired in 1995: he worked after retiring for 10 years for a land surveyor doing research. When his sons were in elementary school and wanted to play bum league basketball, he was told "If he wanted them to play, he would have to be the coach." He went to Joseph's Sporting Goods Store and bought a basketball book as he knew nothing about the game. Bob coached for 9 years. He enjoyed it so much. He was the family pre-school babysitter for several of his grandchildren after his retirement.

Bob belonged to the Volunteer Fire Dept. in Thorndike for more than 1 O years, over the years he was a Selectman. He mostly served as 1st Selectman for more than 15years. Bob belonged to Knox Station Grange #579, Waldo Pomona Grange #12, Maine state Grange and the National Grange for 50 years. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, hunting, gardening, talking and visiting with people. Bob loved talking about property history and property lines. He was a wealth of knowledge.

Bob and his wife Agnes would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Nov. 26th, 2025. In addition to his wife Agnes, Bob is survived by four sons; Vincent and wife Lisa Nelson, Jason and wife Debbie Nelson, Terrence and wife Evelyn Nelson, and Keane and wife Rachel Nelson. His four brothers John (pre-deceased) and wife JoAnn Nelson, Richard and wife Carol Nelson, William and wife June Nelson, and David and wife Rita (pre-deceased) Nelson; grandchildren Vincent, Kiesha, Alexander, Desiree', Kimberlee, Noah, Blake, and Jacob; His step-grandsons; Nathan Hamblet, Nathan and Justin Sigouin and Daniel Farley; his great-grandchildren; Austin and Grayson Rednour; His step­great grandchildren; Addisyn and Kylee Hamblet, Grayson, Isabella Sigouin and Diana Farley, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome for viewing and visitation on Monday Nov.10, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast, Maine. Services will be held Nov.15th, 2025 at 10:00am for visitation at Knox Ridge Church in Knox, Maine, funeral services will be held at 11 :OOam, followed by the Celebration of Life.