HOWLAND, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Gerald E. “Jerry” Nelson, 78 of Howland, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, April 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Warren. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on July 17, 1945, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, a son of Charles and Sally (Lesh) Nelson.

Find obituaries from your high school
Jerry was a graduate of Oil City High School and went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a surgical technologist with the 804th Medical Group stationed out of Grand Folks AFB, ND.

He was awarded an honorable discharge for his service.

Upon returning home, Jerry graduated from the Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and later the Trumbull Memorial Hospital School of Anesthesia. It was here that he laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished 50-year career as an anesthetist. He worked for Trumbull Regional Hospital, Warren General Hospital and UPMC. He made many strong and lasting friendships with his colleagues who continue to be friends and family.

Outside of work, Jerry was a family man. He especially enjoyed dinners with friends and family and was a constant presence at all his grandkids’ sporting events and dance competitions. Jerry’s loving presence and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry will always be remembered by his sons, Brent (Heather) Nelson of Liberty and Brian (Beth) Nelson of Cortland; grandchildren, Brent Nelson II and Sydney Hope Nelson and sister, Judy McCurry.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Kaylyn “Kay” (Costanza) Nelson; granddaughter, Taylor Diane Nelson and sister, Jan Swartz.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Jerry on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

Additional calling hours will be on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Crown Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission, 253 East Market Street, Warren, OH 44481.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to Gerald’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald E. Nelson, please visit our floral store.