Mark Nelson

Mark Nelson, of Tampa, FL, suddenly passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021. He was born on September 21, 1959 in Key West, FL. Mark’s loving parents, US Naval Commander Edward A. Nelson and his ever-loving beautiful mother, Patricia A. Nelson, both predeceased, filled his childhood with colorful events with his 5 siblings traveling and residing in 5 different states before settling down in Tampa. Mark grew up in Toms River, NJ and graduated from T.R. High School North in 1977. After graduation, Mark went on to attend the University of South Florida (USF) and graduated in 1982. He was employed at Sunshine Auto in St. Pete, FL. Aside from visiting family in Jersey, hitting the beach, playing golf, watching “The Wizard of Oz”, and sports, the main thread throughout his life was his unwavering love of his family. Mark was an avid sports fan, favoring the NY Jets and NY Mets; this is the interest that brought him together with the love of his life, Barbara. He is survived by Barbara Nelson, his wife of 31 years, whom he married on October 6, 1990. Together they had 4 beautiful children. Mark dedicated his life to his children and showed it in a multitude of loving ways, including making sure they all graduated from college. Each child has earned their degrees from Dad’s Alma Mater, USF. Mark is survived by his eldest daughter, Natalie Shea, born in 1992, followed by the birth of “The Trips”; Colin, Jillian, and Darby born in 1996. Mark recently celebrated the happy engagement of his daughter Darby to Blake Hodgens. Each child has their own special place in their Dad’s heart and he in theirs. His smile is present on each and every one of his children. Mark’s smile and his hugs were his trademark. Everyone he has embraced has been touched by his light. There are many family members, including his brother, Eric M. Nelson, who sadly predeceased him in 2003. Surviving are his siblings, Stephen Nelson, Lael McGrath, William Nelson, and Victoria Kerins. The sibling’s spouses are Gloria Nelson, Herb McGrath, Susan Nelson, and John Kerins. Mark’s nieces & nephews include Kristin Nelson Sinlao, her wife Christine, and their young son Hugo; his nephews Leif and Stephen Nelson; his first and oldest nephew, John W. McGrath, his wife Jeannine, and their three children Lilliana, Fiona, and Eric; his niece, Torrey DiMeo, her husband Antonio, and their three children Massimo, Marciano, and Valentino; his nephew, Max Nelson; his niece Patty Roque and her husband Jesus, and their two children Remy and Naya; his niece Katie Misanko, her partner Vinny Fiorenzo and their son Silas; and his nephew Patrick Kerins. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021, at 4pm at Idlewild Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Feeding Tampa Bay: 4702 Transport Drive, Building #6, Tampa, FL 33605 or feedingtampabay.org in honor of Mark Nelson

Mark Nelson

September 21, 1959 - August 14, 2021