Obituary of Daniel L. Nelson

Daniel L. Nelson of Willingboro, NJ sadly passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family on March 1, 2023. He was 76 years old. 

Dan was a true family man, and made everyone feel like they belonged, welcomed and included friends as part of his family, and encouraged them to do their best. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ha’ Nelson; son, Vanguard Nelson (Elena), daughters, Thuy Linh Nelson and Kim Masi (Chris); and grandchildren, Calvin, Kira, Dylan, Danny, and Max, as well as several nieces and nephews who were proud to call him “Uncle”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Dorothy (Skoff) Nelson, daughter, Tammy Nelson, and sister, Barbara (Nelson) Lipski. 

Daniel was born on February 1, 1947 in Kingston, NY. After his family moved to Willingboro, he attended and graduated from John F Kennedy High School in 1965, where he excelled as an offensive lineman on their football team, earning him a scholarship to Kutztown University in PA. He served in the Vietnam War, where he met and married the love of his life, and went on to graduate from Trenton State College (TCNJ) in Ewing, NJ. He spent most of his career working for the state of New Jersey as an investigator for the Department of Labor. 

Dan was an exercise, bicycling, and yoga enthusiast, and enjoyed golfing, playing cards (especially Pinochle), reading, movies, music, and rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the years, he coached Willingboro travel soccer and baseball teams, leading them to numerous championship seasons. He loved being a mentor to his many players. Above all, he made sure to spend quality time with his family, and to be there for them, no matter what. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 11am - 12pm on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Goes-Scolieri Funeral Home, 212 Veterans Pkwy., Willingboro, NJ. (609)871-1000. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family.