Obituary for Edward Herman "Eddie" Neilson
Edward ‘Eddie’ H. Neilson, 97, of Suffield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2020. He was born on November 23, 1922 in Springfield, MA to Anna Selina Nelson. He was raised by the Upton Family and the Cordis Family.
He attended Agawam High School where he excelled in studies and was an outstanding athlete where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Eddie married his high school sweetheart, Norma Swanson on August 9th, 1943 and was married for 64 years. They had 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He loved his family dearly.
In 2016 he was inducted into the Agawam Athletic Hall of Fame where he gave a memorable speech thanking his coach and teammates for 4 years of undefeated football with the 1940 football team. He did a graduate year with a few of his teammates and the team went to win State Championship in 1941 with him as quarterback and proud of Agawam’s 5 years of undefeated football.
After graduating high school in 1941, he was drafted into the Army and was honored to serve his country in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army in the 8th Armored Division and was in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton.
Eddie was a kind and compassionate person who was always there to support family, friends and neighbors; and donated his energy and talent to numerous local interests.
He will be warmly remembered by the congregation of The First church of Christ Congregational in Suffield, where he was a member for 70 years and a lifelong deacon. He enjoyed his role as the head chef for church breakfast and dinners. He was a 70 year member in the Historic First Baptist Church in Suffield where he was a life deacon and enjoyed planning the summer services and oversaw all events at the church.
Eddie loved to work. After the war he was employed by Westinghouse Corporation. He went on to work as a meat salesman at Amour Meats in Springfield for over 30 years; and then Allied Grocers in Windsor, CT. He loved working on local tobacco farms for family and friends.
He looked forward to his mornings at Dunkin Donuts in Suffield where he spent time telling stories. He owned two lawn mowers and was seen either mowing his lawn or helping by mowing the neighbors lawns.
Eddie is survived by his son, Glenn Neilson and his wife Joanne; daughter Nancy Neilson and her significant other Jack Sarat; grandchildren Nelson LaMonica, Michael LaMonica, Jamie Berry, Carly Neilson, Kristi Neilson; and great granddaughter Selina LaMonica. He was predeceased by his wife Norma, and son Ted Neilson.
He lived a long, full life as a devoted family man and memories of his spirit, his smile and cheerful outlook will live on with his legacy of service and dedication – A true legend to all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eddie Neilson’s Life at the Graveside Service on Thursday, November 12, at 11:00AM in Zion Hill Cemetery, located behind 1st Baptist Church, 1217 Hill Street, Suffield, CT 06078. There are no calling hours. Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, Suffield has care of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
For online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
He attended Agawam High School where he excelled in studies and was an outstanding athlete where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Eddie married his high school sweetheart, Norma Swanson on August 9th, 1943 and was married for 64 years. They had 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He loved his family dearly.
In 2016 he was inducted into the Agawam Athletic Hall of Fame where he gave a memorable speech thanking his coach and teammates for 4 years of undefeated football with the 1940 football team. He did a graduate year with a few of his teammates and the team went to win State Championship in 1941 with him as quarterback and proud of Agawam’s 5 years of undefeated football.
After graduating high school in 1941, he was drafted into the Army and was honored to serve his country in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army in the 8th Armored Division and was in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton.
Eddie was a kind and compassionate person who was always there to support family, friends and neighbors; and donated his energy and talent to numerous local interests.
He will be warmly remembered by the congregation of The First church of Christ Congregational in Suffield, where he was a member for 70 years and a lifelong deacon. He enjoyed his role as the head chef for church breakfast and dinners. He was a 70 year member in the Historic First Baptist Church in Suffield where he was a life deacon and enjoyed planning the summer services and oversaw all events at the church.
Eddie loved to work. After the war he was employed by Westinghouse Corporation. He went on to work as a meat salesman at Amour Meats in Springfield for over 30 years; and then Allied Grocers in Windsor, CT. He loved working on local tobacco farms for family and friends.
He looked forward to his mornings at Dunkin Donuts in Suffield where he spent time telling stories. He owned two lawn mowers and was seen either mowing his lawn or helping by mowing the neighbors lawns.
Eddie is survived by his son, Glenn Neilson and his wife Joanne; daughter Nancy Neilson and her significant other Jack Sarat; grandchildren Nelson LaMonica, Michael LaMonica, Jamie Berry, Carly Neilson, Kristi Neilson; and great granddaughter Selina LaMonica. He was predeceased by his wife Norma, and son Ted Neilson.
He lived a long, full life as a devoted family man and memories of his spirit, his smile and cheerful outlook will live on with his legacy of service and dedication – A true legend to all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eddie Neilson’s Life at the Graveside Service on Thursday, November 12, at 11:00AM in Zion Hill Cemetery, located behind 1st Baptist Church, 1217 Hill Street, Suffield, CT 06078. There are no calling hours. Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, Suffield has care of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
For online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com