Obituary of Richard Nelson

Colonie - Richard E. Nelson, 79, of Stafford St., died Wednesday, March 22, 2017, peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by his family. Dick was born in Schenectady, the son of William and Agatha Nelson. He was a graduate of St. Columba High School in 1956 and had attended Siena College. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Dick started with the Schenectady Police Department in 1959, working his way through the ranks, he retired as a decorated and honored Chief of the police department in 1991, retiring with 32 years service. In his retirement, he loved spending time with family, he was an avid gardener, fisherman and hunter and a dedicated Yankee fan. He enjoyed winters in Vero Beach, Fla. where his favorite past time was reading. He had been an active member of the PBA, the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis. He was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly Serapilio Nelson, she died in 1977 and survived by his second wife of 31 years, Barbara Roberts Nelson. Two daughters, Kathleen (Kevin) Bette of Loudonville and Eileen (Terry) Nelson-Bean of Otis, ME; a stepson, Francis Champagne of Maryland; six grandchildren, Nathaniel, Michael and Madeline and Cecelia Bette and Morgan and Zachary Hoogkamp; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Serapilio; cousins and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters-in-law, Beverly May and Sandra Scofield. Funeral service Monday 8:15 from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at St. Luke's Church where a Mass of Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Sunday afternoon 4 to 7 p.m. in the evening at the funeral home. Interment St. Cyril's Cemetery, Rotterdam. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation 501 New Karner Rd. #6 Albany, NY 12205. Dick's family would like to thank Dr. James O'Brien, the Colonie EMS, the staff of St. Peter's ER, 5 McCauley and Hospice for their incredible compassion and kindness.