Nelson James Gatison, 82, beloved husband of the late Geraldine “Jerry” W. Gatison, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Nelson was born in Derby, Connecticut on May 24, 1932 to the late James and Sylvia (Snipes) Gatison, grew up in Ansonia and was educated in the Ansonia school system. Nelson served four (4) years in the United States Air Force and served as a Personnel Sergeant from 1950 – 1954. Nelson retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a Station Manager/Supervisor in 1987. He was a member of East Rock Lodge #141 and the Orange Blossom Social Club.
Nelson was a faithful member of St. Paul U.A.M.E. Church and loved his church family. He was a member of the Senior Usher Board where he was a past Treasurer, he was a past President of the Men’s Club and a class leader.
Nelson had many interests and led a very active life. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, was an avid crossword puzzle expert, loved to exercise, travel (Europe, China, Canada, Florida and the Caribbean to name a few places), enjoyed serving others in many capacities and worked in the St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen every Friday.
Nelson loved his family and nurtured and protected them until the end of his life. He was an honorable man with a loving spirit, a tremendous sense of humor and unwavering faith in God. Everyone who knew Nelson loved and respected him.
He leaves to mourn his daughters, Karen Gatison and Erica G. Bradley (Frankie), his granddaughters Mallory A. Gatison and Zaria G. Bradley, sisters Marcia Simmons and Roberta Douglas (Moses), brothers Lenward Gatison (Barbara) and Ralph Gatison (Ramona), sister-in-law/goddaughter Judith Edwards, goddaughter Keisha Gatison Smith and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members and lifelong friends.
A celebration of his life will take place Thursday April 30, 2015 at 11 AM at St. Paul’s UAME Church; 150 Dwight St., New Haven, CT 06511 with visitation Thursday at the church from 10 – 11 AM. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery; New Haven, CT. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services; 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Gatison family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
