Michael J. Nelson

RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Michael John Nelson , age 60 , passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning September 15, 2020 , in his home with his loving family at his side. He was born on November 23, 1959 in Utica, son of the late Robert and Evelyn Laymon Nelson.  Michael was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School.

On October 4, 1980 he was united in marriage to the former Marsha Halkowich in Saint John's Ep iscopal Church in Richfield Springs.  The made their home in Utica before moving to Richfield Springs i n 1992. Michael had roofing and siding business before he went to work as a Correction Officer at The New York State Marcy Correctional.  He retired in December of 1998 .  Mr. Nelson had a true belief in God and was a member of Saint John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs.  He had a strong sense of community being a member and past president of the Richfield Springs Lions Club, a member of the Hugick, Purcell and Shepardson Sons of the American Legion P ost # 666 Richfield Springs , the Richfield Springs Sportsman Club and the Canadrago Snow Toppers.  In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and snow mobiling.   To all who knew Mike, they will never forget a kind, caring and helpful man.  Always ready to lend a hand while looking for nothing in return.  He will be sadly missed.

Surviving besides his devoted wife of t hirty-nine years, Mar sh a , is a son, Matthew Nelson of Richfield Springs , his grand son , Matthew Nelson, brother and sister-in-law Leslie and Marge Miller of Richfield Springs , two nieces, Rachel Munyan and Jenna Miller, sisters –in-law , Deedee O' Donnal of FL, sister-in-law , Lenore Halkowich of VA, and mother-in-law Anna Halkowich of Richfield Springs, special cousins, John and Linda Mis encik of Richfield Springs. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his father-in-law Wasil Halkowich,

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Nelson will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am in Saint John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs.  The Reverend Steven Scarcia will officiate.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the American Heart Association Envelopes will be available at the church service. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Kidney Dialysis Unit of Little Falls for the care and compassion shown to Mr. Nelson.

Funeral Arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs