Robert L. Nelson, Sr., 91, of Beachwood, NJ and formerly of Ocean Gate, NJ died peacefully on February 5, 2024. Born April 8, 1932, in Bronx, NY to George and Anna Nelson. He lived in Dumont, NJ and for many years in Ocean Gate, NJ then settling to Beachwood, NJ several years ago.

Mr. Nelson owned and operated Nelson’s Deli in Ocean Gate, NJ for 12 years. He was a school bus driver for Central Regional High School in Bayville, NJ, also known as “Mr. Nels” and retired after 26 years of service. Mr. Nelson proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was an Honorary life member of the Bayville Elks Lodge Post 2394 in Bayville, NJ. Robert also enjoyed bowling, fishing, water skiing and clamming the Bay. He enjoyed reading the Asbury Park Press and Daily News daily. He was a Mets and Giants fan. He was predeceased by his son Robert, Jr., and by his sister Georgiana Vetter.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Dora; his daughter Doreen Nelson and three grandchildren, Alecia Brust, Jonathan Brust and Catalina Brust; daughter-in-law Linda Nelson.

Funeral services will be at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ at a later date. Mastapeter Memorial Home,270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ is in charge of arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.