Harley Cummings Nelson, 88, passed away peacefully Aug. 8 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, with grace and dignity, just as he lived.
He was born in Reading, Mass., June 3, 1918, the son of Elizabeth and Raymond Nelson.
Harley received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine. He worked for Monsanto Chemical Company for 35 years in Everett, Mass., Columbia, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Mo.
In March 1942, he married Priscilla Garey, and they had 61 years of life together before Priscilla died in 2003. Together they raised four children, a loving family that now includes seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who all loved him dearly.
Harley served as an army medic in New Zealand during WWII and shared his stories during family occasions. He especially enjoyed bridge, golf, reading, and the Red Sox.
Harley and Priscilla moved to Wiscasset in 1989, and joined St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Harley was a mason for over 60 years and had dual membership in Rose Hill Lodge of St. Louis, Mo., and Lincoln Lodge #3 of Wiscasset.
He is survived by his four children, for whom he cared deeply, Pamela Stolte of St. Louis, Mo., Patricia Anderson of Tucson, Ariz., Garey Nelson of Houston, Tex., and Gail Lee Swanton of Westport Island.
Memorial service celebrating his life 1 p.m., Sat., Sept. 2 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Wiscasset.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset, ME.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
