NELSON-THOMAS

Source:  Obituary published in San Diego Union Tribune on 5/12/2024:

Thomas Schewe Nelson was born May 27, 1940, in Elmira, New York, and grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York where he began his lifelong appreciation for the beauty of nature and learned to fish and hunt.  After graduating from Lycoming College in 1963, he enlisted in the Navy.  Upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, he volunteered for Underwater Demolition/Seal Training and then served in Underwater Demolition Tean Twelve (UDT-12), Seal Team 1, and Underwater Demolition Team Eleven (UDT-11).  He also attended the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey, California, earning a masters degree in Management and Computer Technology.  He was a commander of many UDT operations and deployed on numerous occasions to Southeast Asia.  While on active duty he was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, along with numerous other commendations, citations, and other honors.  He retired from the Navy in 1986 and returned to the Mission Beach area of San Diego where he regularly entertained and participated in neighborhood events.  One year on the Fourth of July, he hosted a gathering which became large, loud, and attracted three mounted police officers.  When he was asked, “What’s going on here?” Nelson quickly responded, “A spontaneous celebration of the birth of our nation.”  The officer smiled and rode off to join his fellow officers. 

Nelson gained the reputation of an intelligent, brave, caring, and interesting man.  He was known for his numerous quiet acts of generosity whenever someone needed a little help, be it material, monetary, or just words of wisdom and encouragement.  He died April 21, 2024, survived by his sister and numerous relatives.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)