Joseph L. Nelson Jr.

Joe was born in Lockport, NY, on September 16th, 1934, to Joseph L. Nelson and Lula M. Chapman Nelson. During his teenage years he moved to Sarasota, FL, with his father and stepmother, Dora, where he graduated from high school. He worked for a brief time as a draftsman at Ringling Brothers in Sarasota.

As a young man in Florida, some misfortune befell him when he collided with a train while riding his motorcycle, He spent almost a year in the hospital with a broken back, and also lost half of his right foot as a result of the accident.

After returning to western NY, he met and married his first wife, the former Lula Mae Hoyt. Mae passed away a few short years later, leaving Joe a single father to their two-year old son.

Joe married his second wife, Jean Steffens Otis, in July, 1970. Together they built their house in the country and became homesteaders of sorts. They raised goats, chickens, and rabbits, and planted a large and prolific garden every summer. During this time Joe started his own plumbing business (J L Nelson Plumbing), which his son continues to operate to this day.

Following in the family tradition, Joe was a self-taught fiddle player, and enjoyed accompanying Jean when she played piano. He was also a history and genealogy buff, and was especially drawn to the history of Chautauqua County. He loved poring over old books and gleaning little known facts about bygone days. In addition, he knew his Bible back and forth, and relished discussions and debates over Biblical teachings. He and Jean were members of several churches over the years.

Despite the curmudge only persona that he cultivated outwardly, Joe was a softie underneath. He had a healthy sense of humor, loved having a good laugh, and delighted in pulling pranks on unsuspecting victims. He helped many a person in need before his own health declined. He had a fondness for animals of all kinds, and at night, while reading in his favorite chair, he usually had a cat on his lap and a dog at his feet.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Martha Nelson Alkire; his first wife, Mae; his stepdaughter, Bonnie Felt; and his second wife, Jean, in 2019.

He is survived by his son, Joseph L. Nelson lll; his youngest step-daughter, Gwen Otis Smith, whom he helped raise; five older step-children; a niece; a nephew; and one grandchild, Liz Nelson. He will be missed by his long-term roommate at Absolut, Richard McGuay.

Many heartfelt thanks to Joe’s team of professionals and dedicated caregivers at Absolut for their expertise, ministrations, and kindness to Joe these past (almost) three years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stanley Hose Company (fire department) in Sherman, the Ashville Fire Department, or Absolut Nursing Home in Westfield. As per Joe’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Buffalo for medical research.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com