Thomas Joseph Nelson

After battling Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, Thomas Joseph Nelson passed away on May 22, 2022 in Petaluma, California.  Tom was born in Oceanside, New York, on January 15, 1953.  He was the elder of his two brothers, Richard and Harrold, so, in other words, they were Tom, Dick, and Harry.  This may (or may not) have been the start of his sharp sense of humor.  Tom was known for his dry one-liners, and although Parkinson’s slowed him down in the long run, he never lost his wit, which was coupled with impeccable timing.

Growing up in New York, Tom was influenced by the pop-culture of his unique era.  He was a Soupy Sales fan; he had a signed autograph from the Lone Ranger; he worked at Nathan’s Hotdogs; and he was an avid TV, movie, and music buff throughout his life.

The Nelson family eventually moved to Seattle where Tom graduated from Seattle University.  He worked for many years at Household Finance Corporation (HFC), which brought him to California where he built life-long friendships with his co-workers.  He introduced his good friend and co-worker Mary to his brother Rich, who fell in love and married.  Years later, co-workers dragged Tom to a party one evening where he met a certain single lady, Kim McCaffrey.  They fell in-love, were married in 1990, and proceeded to have two sons, JR and Kevin.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his new family, and as JR and Kevin grew up, Tom’s enthusiasm for sports was utilized as he coached the boys’ sports teams. The family enjoyed each other’s company immensely. Together, they camped, traveled, and attended sports events. They saw the latest movies, attended family gatherings, and followed the A’s and Warriors together.  They were thoughtful gift givers, active board game players, and they all enjoyed a good laugh.

Tom eventually decided to leave the unpredictable world of finance to pursue a teaching credential, and with that credential, he landed a job in West Contra-Costa School District teaching 5th grade in Richmond.  He taught with creativity, patience, and humor.  He inspired his students to take school seriously and to play sports.  He developed an after school basketball program for them to promote healthy choices.

After retiring, Tom enjoyed spending time with his two sons.  He looked forward to his occasional trips to Reno with his father and his brother Rich. He enjoyed gambling, participating in fantasy baseball leagues, putting together betting pools for March Madness, going to movies, and attending A’s games – and, whenever he got the chance, he asked for a McDondad’s burger, plain, with two pickles – and a vanilla milkshake.  Tom had the pleasure of spending time with JR”s partner, Nancy Weickhardt and Kevin”s fiance, Jessee Rea.  Tom was much loved by the Nelson family, the McCaffrey family, and all who had the honor to know him.  He will be remembered with great fondness.

Unfortunately, after caring for her with deep love and supporting her throughout her battle with cancer, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Kim Nelson, in 2008.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Richard Edward Nelson and Joan Elizabeth Nolan Nelson.

Donations can be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation or the charity of your choice.  Memorial service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Parent Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma CA 94952 at 1:00 p.m.

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Memorial Service

Friday, August 19, 2022

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory