Roy Wilfred Nelson Jr., 63, La Plata

Friday, July 3, 2009

He recently retired from a position as supervisory IT specialist with the Department of the Navy at Indian Head, where he had worked for 33 years, receiving frequent recognition for his development and delivery of training and equipment used by the naval fleet.

He was a devoted husband and father; a thoughtful, inventive problem-solver; and a loyal friend. He was an active member of La Plata United Methodist Church and frequently volunteered his time and talents to anyone in need. He enjoyed attending NASCAR and local racing events with his sons and remained in contact with ATO fraternity brothers throughout his life.

Born in McKeesport, Pa., he was the son of the late Roy Wilfred and the late Anna Sklencar Nelson.

Mr. Nelson was raised in Clairton, Pa., where he excelled in sports and was an Eagle Scout. A standout football star in high school, he earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in business administration. While there, he played college football, competed in track and field and was elected president of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army as an engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He returned to Pennsylvania to work with the H.J. Heinz Co. before moving to Maryland in 1975.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Gillen Nelson; sons and their wives, Roy Wilfred "Wil" III and Alicia Nelson and Charles Gillen "Chad" and Kaitlin Nelson, both of Mechanicsville; sisters, Billie Blais of Cornish, Maine, and Claire Valdesalice and her husband, James of Greensburg, Pa.; father-in-law, Charles Gillen of Clairton; brother- and sister-in-law, Charles and Debbie Gillen of Wilmington, Ohio; long-time friend, Aurelio Azpiazu of Prince Frederick; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held June 19 at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, Charlotte Hall, where a service was held June 20. Burial took place at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Prostate Cancer Research, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20007.