Joseph Nelson
Joseph Nelson of Ridgefield, CT passed away peacefully on August 14, 2015 at Danbury Hospital. He was 76 years old.
Joe was born on May 4, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY. After four years in the US Army, he earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry from City College of New York and a graduate degree in the same field from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
Joe’s corporate career brought him to live and work around the world, including moving his family to Puerto Rico and travelling to South America, the Middle East, and Africa. He was a Senior Vice President with Merck Pharmaceuticals.
In his 50s, Joe turned a career corner and followed his lifelong passion to practice law. He earned his JD from Temple University in Philadelphia and opened a private law practice in White Plains, NY. Always a champion for the underprivileged, Joe dedicated much of his career to advocating for criminal defendants suffering from drug addictions.
Above all else, Joe adored his family. His favorite thing to do was spend time with them, especially the annual vacations to the beach.
Joe was Renate’s loving husband for 52 years. He and Renate had two daughters, Regina Fitzgerald of Croton, NY, and Christine Smith of Corralitos, CA. He cherished his seven grandchildren – Georgia, Michaela, Cora, Eliza, Connor, Caroline, and Cavan.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 1:15 PM at St. Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.
Interment will be private.
—by the family
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