Obituary of Frank Edward Nelson

    Frank Edward Nelson, 93, formerly of Whitesboro, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at the Teresian House in Albany, NY.

     Frank was born on March 16,1930 in Utica, the son of Henry and Catherine (Martin) Nelson. Frank was married to Eileen Rooney Nelson for 67 years and between them they created a loving world of great laughter and happiness for themselves and their five children.

     The youngest of 10, Frank (nicknamed “Honey”) graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1948. He joined the United States Navy in 1951 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Leyte, embarking on training cruises with destinations that included: Guantanamo, Cuba, Gibraltar, Turkey and throughout the Mediterranean. 

    Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, he attended Utica College and was employed by The New York Central Railroad.  At this time, he met his future wife, Eileen. Over the course of their marriage, they enjoyed socializing with their many dear friends and traveling, but nothing made them happier than spending time with their family.  A visit to the Nelson house was always filled with laughs, love and, like any large family-chaos!

    Frank worked at Marine Midland Bank from 1957 through his retirement as Assistant Vice President in 1988.  He was an active member of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), serving as President in his final year in 1969. A devout Catholic, Frank was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church since 1964. His numerous volunteer efforts ranged from coaching CYO basketball to painting the school gym. Frank and Eileen both developed lifelong friendships within the Sacred Heart community.

     Frank was an avid sports enthusiast.  He was not just a dedicated sports fan, but a player, coach and referee.  He was a proud longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 189 where he played in the Suicide Basketball League and Senior Golf League where he walked the course until he was 90 years old.  He was an enthusiastic fan of Syracuse sports, the UConn girls basketball team, and, of course, his beloved Boston Red Sox. You could always find Frank “watching the ballgame” any time of the day or night. 

     In addition to his loving wife, Eileen, he leaves two daughters, Carleen Madden (Chris) and Susan Hughes (Brendan), two sons, Edward (Walid) and William (Lori), one sister, Florence Prendergast and the greatest loves of his life, his seven grandchildren: William Nelson, Katharine, Elizabeth and Sarah Madden, Charlie, Tyler and Madison Hughes.  Frank was predeceased by his parents, eight siblings and his beloved son, Thomas Nelson (2022)

   The Nelson Family would like to extend appreciation and gratitude to the staff of The Teresian House. Special thank you to Frank’s angels on the 4th floor…Christina, Debbie, Julio, Marjorie, Sunshine, Edwin, LaLa, Rachel and many others.

    A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St. Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa in New York Mills on Saturday September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am. Family and friends may pay their respects following the service.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Services, Inc., 1517 Whitesboro St. Utica, NY 13502

    In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frank’s memory to The Teresian House Foundation, 200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203.