David P. Nelson, Jr.

Shrewsbury – Dave Nelson…known to many by ‘Nelly’ or ‘The Mayor’ had an affable and fun-loving personality. He loved life and the people in it. While fishing remained a passion, he loved all things outdoors including time on the Cape in Dennisport at The Salt Air Village. Another lifelong passion and interest of Dave’s was Nascar racing and had the added benefit and opportunity to work with local racers including Dave Caruso and family and Jeff Fuller.

David P. Nelson Jr. was born August 20, 1963 in Worcester a son of the late David P. and Joan P. (Fairhurst) Nelson Sr. Raised in Shrewsbury he graduated from Shrewsbury High School with the class of 1982. While at SHS he played on both football and wrestling teams as well as in the school band playing the tuba.

Dave married Shrewsbury native Deborah M. Scannell on May 9, 1998 in Saint Mary of the Hills Church in Boylston and on June 19, 2006 life brought immeasurable joy with the birth of their daughter, Emily. She remained the sparkle in his eye and did all he could…while he could...to foster a father-daughter relationship that was perfect! She completed his world and Dave worked with and spent as much time possible helping Emily navigate the challenges of her world. And he did this with patience and perseverance and unconditional love and admiration for she would always remain as ‘daddy’s little girl’.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 49 Dave’s world slowly changed and he marveled at the role Deb would willingly assume as dual parent given his physical limitations and later the added effects of dementia. But yet…it remained the three…David, Deb and Emily…an unbroken circle.

He worked for many years as a service engineer with Netstal Machinery USA in until his health prohibited his ability to continue. His work at Netstal afforded him extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe and he loved his work.

Dave died Saturday, April 5, 2025 with Deb at his side. We pray he now knows the comfort and sweetness…of peace. He was 61.

Dave’s family offers a word of thanks to the entire staff of Shrewsbury Nursing Home for the wonderful care provided to David over the last eleven months.

In addition to his wife of 26 years, Deb, he leaves his daughter, Emily J. Nelson, both of Shrewsbury; his sisters, Kim R. Teixeira (Steven) of Grafton, Darlyn Nelson (Stephen Olson) of Shrewsbury and Gayle Bouvier (Todd Keefe) of Webster; in-laws, Tricia A. Scannell Laursen (Doug) of Shrewsbury, Richard P. Scannell (Molly) of Arlington and Lynn E. Scannell Laursen (Bill) of Harvard; an uncle whom he considered an older brother, Paul Fairhurst of Harwich; also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember David's life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Eastern Shores Club (formerly Knights of Columbus), 206 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury on Friday, April 11th from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 12th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Emily J. Nelson Benefit Fund, in c/o Deborah Scannell Nelson, in c/o Shrewsbury Credit Union, 489 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.