BELGRADE – Robert “Bob” Merrill Nelson, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson Disease. For 40 years he loved his home on Great Pond and wanted to spend all his remaining time there.

Bob lived his early years in and around Wayne, New Jersey, graduating from Wayne High School and Newark College of Engineering. He started working for Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamakii) in 1963 in Morristown, New Jersey. In 1983, when the supporting engineering division was closing the doors in Fairfield, New Jersey, he transferred to the engineering department in Waterville, Maine, retiring in 1993.

In 1986 he and Robert Bartlett Sr. put their resources together and started Wrabacon in a two car garage at Bob Barlett’s home in Oakland. The business grew and eventually built a large building at its present location in Oakland. Bob retired for the second time in 2013 and sold his interest to Robert Bartlett Jr. Wrabacon, under Mr. Barlett’s leadership it continues to thrive today.

Bob enjoyed all four seasons of outdoor activities. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to ski and was a season pass holder at Sugarloaf for over 30 years. He was determined and succeeded to ski until he turned 80 so his pass was free! Playing golf was also an important pastime and was a member of Waterville Country Club for 39 years.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Merrill Eugene Nelson.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of 38 years; his children Maryann Gilman and her husband Larry, of Brick, N.J.; Michael and his wife Roselin of Florida and Wharton, N.J.; Todd of New York City and Rockaway, N.J.; stepdaughters, Dana Maino and husband Tom of Bluffton, S.C.; Lisa Sevret of Gresham, Ore.; his brother Calvin and his wife Mary of Rindge, N.H.; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland on Friday, March 15, from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 26 Church Street, Oakland. Memories of Bob can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Northern Light Home Care & Hospice Foundation

P.O. Box 679,

Portland, Maine 04104

(207) 973-5055

http://www.northernlightheallth.org/giveHCH

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