Portland- On September 4th, 2014, Richard "Pete" Nelson left this earth to be reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Edna.   He was born June 8th, 1924 in Westbrook.   "Pete" was the son of George Nelson and Emma Vigeant Nelson of Westbrook.  He lost his wife of 64 years Edna Chretien Nelson on April 4th, 2007. "Pete" was the youngest of five children- Paul, Frederick, Irene Nelson Cushing, and Rose Nelson St. Pierre.   He is survived by his son Donald R. Nelson & his wife Francine of Manchester, NH, his daughters, Sharon Nelson Lachapalle & her husband William of Westbrook, also his daughter Nancy Nelson Kinslow & her husband Edward of Westbrook. "Pete" had eight grandchildren: Michael Bilodeau, Aaron Nelson, Christopher Bilodeau, Rebecca Nelson Avery, Adam Bilodeau, Christen LaChapelle Gunderson, Patrick Kinslow, & Andrew Kinslow. Grampa Nelson was also survived by 19 adoring Great Grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.   Pete was a lifetime resident of Westbrook.  He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years during WWII in the 595th Signal Air Warning Battalion in The Asiatic Pacific Theater.   After the war Pete worked as a truck driver for the Canada Dry Beverage Company, where he met his best friend, Wendall Day.  He worked for nearly forty years at SD Warren before his retirement.  He was also an active member of the Steven W. Manchester Post of the American Legion for 53 years. Pete loved sports especially the Red Sox, and all of the New England teams.  One of his greatest pleasure was to attend the many games that his grandson's played thru out their youth.  Pete also was an avid golfer, and loved to travel with his wife. Pete's family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Barron Center for all their love and caring of our dad.  Also special thanks to the staff of  Life Choices Hospice for their enrichment of his life in his last days. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM, at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St. Westbrook.  A Funeral Service will be held Monday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.   Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Barron Center Resident Fund, 1145 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102.