The Rev. Mr. Roscoe Winthrop Nelson

Passed on Friday, 15 May 2020

The Rev. Roscoe Winthrop 'Win' Nelson, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 15, 2020 at the River Mead community in Peterborough, NH. Win is survived by his three children: Peter Nelson, of Ross, CA; Tara Jamison, of West Newton, MA and Laura Nelson, of Takoma Park, MD. He has 5 grandchildren and one great grandson. His wife, Lynn, died in January and his brother, Ted Nelson, died just a few days before Win.

Win grew up in West Hartford, CT, graduating from the Loomis School in Windsor, CT, in 1943. He attended Harvard University, served in WWII, and then attended Yale Divinity School. Win served in UCC churches in Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota and New Hampshire, including the First Congregational Church in South Windsor, CT and Manchester Center Church, Manchester, CT. Rev. Nelson suffered kidney failure and received a transplant in Hartford Hospital in 1974. The transplant was remarkably successful, allowing him to enjoy good health for over 45 years. In 1976, the Nelsons moved to New Hampshire and served congregations in Hooksett, and then Alstead. As they approached and entered their retirement years, Win and Lynn enjoyed renovating and living in an old farmhouse on a 100-acre farm in Walpole. They pursued interests in gardening, music, community theater and travel. They downsized from the Walpole farm in 1999 and moved to a condo in Keene for several years before moving in 2006 to the RiverMead Lifecare Community in Peterborough. Win continued to preach at several congregations in southern New Hampshire well into retirement.

Blessed with an outgoing, warm personality, Win made friends and connections wherever he went, drawing people out and encouraging their best selves. He especially loved visiting with people, connecting one-on-one with those in need or appreciation of friendship, attention, spiritual support or guidance. He cultivated many dear friendships throughout his life, which he truly valued.

An online memorial service will be held at a future date.