Ronald J. Nelson

Nelson, Ronald J., USAF Major, (Ret.) Age 80, passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer, Saturday, March 16, 2013. He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 13, 1932, to Andrew Eugene and Mae Florence Nelson (DeFazio). Ronald is survived by his wife, Dolores Power-Nelson of Rio Rancho, NM; his seven children, Ronald G. Nelson, of El Paso, TX; Bryan M. Nelson and his wife, Lisa, of Chandler, AZ; Brenda A. DeFazio and her husband, Rob Valencia, of Alto Loma, CA; Barbara A. Calati and her husband, Anthony, of Grosse Pointe Park, MI; James A. Nelson and his wife, Jayme, of Albuquerque, NM; Mary K. Anderson-Williams and her husband, Joe Bob, of Albuquerque, NM, Thomas E. Nelson and his wife, Lisa of Rio Rancho, NM; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his brother, Eugene "Uncle Gene" Nelson and wife, Nancy, of St. Petersburg, FL; and his ex-wife and mother of his children, Henrietta M. Nelson, of Albuquerque, NM. Ron was an active board member at the Meadowlark Senior Center, where he coordinated and participated in a number of groups including three language classes (Greek, French and Spanish), a Spanish conversation group and computer classes. He was also an active member at, El Grupo, a spanish language music group, Rio Ramblers Square Dance Club and the Opera Group. With a Master's Degree in Meterology and Aeronomy, Ron was an accomplished atmospheric meterologist throughout his career. After retiring from the Air Force, he was a school teacher at Wilson Junior High School before joining SAI, Inc, where he finished his career. The epitome of a "life long learner", Ron continued to take on new challenges, most recently learning French, Greek and Kanji (Japanese writing). He was fluent in Spanish and Esperanto and was an excellent conversationalist in Italian and sign language. He was a talented musician who played piano and guitar and enjoyed composing music. He also enjoyed writing plays, and was a talented photographer and painter, whose work was displayed at several local art shows. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel Rio Rancho, New Mexico 505-892-9920