Timothy James Nelson, a proud son of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 3, 2025 at the age of 78.

Born and raised in New Bedford to the late Russell L. and Mary P. (Howrihan) Nelson, Tim's life was a testament to service, loyalty, and love for his community. After graduating from Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, he answered the call of duty, serving his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He later went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Accounting from UMass Dartmouth.

Tim cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his daughters, Heather Nelson of Fairhaven and Kathleen Gaipo and her husband Jeffrey of Acushnet, his grandsons, Andrew Nelson and Jonathan, Aaron, and Lucas Gaipo, his great-grandchildren, Oliver and Lilith Nelson, his brother Thomas Nelson and his wife Lynn of Mattapoisett, his stepchildren, Brad Alison and his wife Kristy, Melanie Racine and her husband James, Alex Wolfgang and his wife Rachel, and his step-grandchildren, Gabriel Wolfgang, Charli Alison, and Leo and Ada Racine.

As a longtime member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, he celebrated his Irish pride and heritage and dedicated countless hours of community service. He leaves behind not only his family but also countless friends and community members who were touched by his kindness and humor. He will be missed dearly and remembered always.

His funeral service will be held on Friday August 15th at 9:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.  Visiting hours will be on Thursday August 14th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4021, New Bedford, MA 02741 or the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 07240.