Jeffrey C. Nelson

Jeffrey C. Nelson, 78, of Gardner, died peacefully Thursday, January 19, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Gardner on August 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Raymond and Ruth A. (Long) Nelson. He graduated from Narragansett Regional High School with the Class of 1962. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard in Gardner. Jeffrey was an Inspector employed by L.S. Starrett of Athol for 11-years prior to his retirement in 2007. He was previously employed by Lilly Industrial Coatings of Templeton for 23-years.

Jeffrey was a member of the City League and Templeton Sunday Morning Softball Leagues, as well as coaching Oakmont Regional High School Varsity Baseball and several local Templeton recreation leagues that his children were a part of. He was also a member of the Gardner and Templeton Council on Aging Boards, Templeton Fish and Game Club Inc., the Polish American Citizens Club, and the American Legion Post 373 of Baldwinville. Jeffrey loved to take trips in his trailer traveling to Sailsbury Beach and Florida, and was an avid fan of his Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. His most cherished time came when he was with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife of 44-years, Rena Mae (Bouthot) Nelson of Gardner; two daughters, Cynthia Nelson of Ormand Beach, FL, and Michelle MacAloney of Newbury, VT; two grandchildren, Trevor MacAloney of Newbury, VT, and Tamara Hayes of Maynard, MA; two great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Oscar Jeffrey Preciado; two brothers, Scott Nelson and his wife Karen of South Deerfield, and Keith Nelson and his husband Robert Nolin of Manchester, NH; two brothers-in-law, Michael Bouthot, and Mark Bouthot; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Darius Debarros.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 11:30 AM in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA, will be held in the spring.

A Calling Hour will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Care Central VNA and Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440, or to the Grange Hall Restoration c/o Narragansett Historical Society, PO Box 354, Templeton, MA 01468. Please reference in memory of Jeffrey C. Nelson.