Dana W. Nelson 74, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025. He was the loving husband for 52 years to Marie (Soccio) Nelson. Born in Gastonia, NC he was the son of the late Fred and Ellen (Bolick) Nelson, he was the stepson of the late Tommy Alexander.
Dana graduated from Ashley High School in North Carolina in 1969, shortly after graduation he then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served three tours in Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica getting the Antarctica Service Medal. He later went on to serve in the RI Army National Guard and went to Officer Candidate School.
Dana went on to work for the Providence VA Medical Center retiring in 2000 as the CEO of the Research Department. He had received a bachelor’s in business administration from Johnson & Wales University. He taught RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) at St. Timothy’s Church.
Besides his loving wife, Dana is survived by his children, Brian Nelson and Sheri Leach. He was the proud grandfather of Scarlett and Daisy Leach, the beloved brother of Sandra Patterson (Michael) and also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday January 24, 2025, at 12 p.m. in St. Timothy Church, 1799 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. The burial with Military Honors was in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.
In lieu of flowers donations in Dana’s name can be made to D.A.V. 380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903.
