Francis Joseph Nelson

Francis, more often Frank Nelson was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Son of Martin and Marie Nelson, sibling of Martin, Joan and Walter. He went to brooklyn Technical High School and won a schoarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology where he studied Textile Design which would become his life long career.

Frank joined the Naval Air Reserve at Floyd Bennet Field in 1948. He was called to active duty in October of 1950 and served two tours of duty in Korea as a Combat Air Crewman. He was immensly proud of his service and the PBM Mariner plane that he flew. Upon discharge he returned to civilian life and went back to work as a textile designer.

In 1954 Frank met and married the love of his life, Patricia Neumann, also of Bay Ridge. In 1955 they moved to 20 Lincoln Place, Massapequa NY where they lived with Pat's mother Florence Nuemann and raised their five children, Susan, Marybeth, Matthew, Victoria and Janet. Frank worked as head designer for John Rock Designs from 1953 until 1977 when he founded Frank Nelson designs with Patricia. They ran it sucessfully with the help of his daughters and life long friend Ingrid Tate until 1997 when they both retired. 

In the mid 70's Frank discovered the second love of his life, rocks. He joined local clubs and delighted in giving demos and initiating young rock hounds. He would travel to Mt Ida, AR twice a year to spend hours chipping away at red earth in search of treasure. If you are reading this you probably have a rock or crystal from Frank somewhere in your home.

From 1969 until 2006 Frank was active in the Mohawk Lacross Club, Long Island Midget Lacrosse League and the PAL Youth Lacrosse League. In 2009 he was inducted into The Lacrosse Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In 2006 Pat was diagnosed with ALS and Frank was able to care for her in their home until her death in May of 2008. In 2011 he left 20 Lincoln Place and moved to The Dominican Village independent living facility in Amityville. There he nutured old friendships and formed new ones most notably with Phyllis Matera who would be his lovely companion to the end. With the invaluable help of his aides Letura and Camille, Frank was able to live out his life in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his beloved rocks and with an old Western on the TV. 

Frank is survived by his daughters Susan, Marybeth and Janet as well as his grandchildren Tara Nelson, Dana McAleese, Steven Nerenberg, Theadora Pajaczkowska, Derek Nelsonand, Deirdre Nelson and great grandchildren Chase and Andrew McAleese, and Owen Nelson.

He's happily reunited with Pat, Matt and Vicki and dealing the next round of 'Oh Hell'.