Terry L. Nelson

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Terry L. Nelson, (“Brick” to his Maine family and friends), on August 16, 2025.Terry passed at his home at the age of 81 holding the hand of Poppy, his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years. He had waged a fierce battle with cancer for over 5 years.
Terry was born in Newport, Maine on May 22 ,1944 to Zelda Metevier Nelson Peirce and Gerald Stanley Nelson. His stepfather was Lloyd W. Peirce and stepmother was Mary Nelson. Terry graduated from Newport High School in 1962 and the University of Maine Orono in 1966 with a BS in Chemical Engineering. In 1998 he received a MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Springfield College.
On June 18, 1966 he married Loralee (Poppy) Perkins. They moved to Springfield, MA where he began a 31 year career with Monsanto, retiring as Manufacturing Training and Development Director. Three years were spent at the plant in Trenton, MI. After retiring he started Terry Nelson Consulting Services, an independent human resource management company. He was active in the community as an Indian Guide leader, Boy Scout Troop 177 Leader, Springfield Youth Symphony Parents Council, Children’s Protective Services Board, Wilbraham United Church Governing Board Chair and Board of Deacons. He served two terms on the Wilbraham Select Board, Chair of the Peach Festival, President of the Wilbraham Community Association and Fountain Park Founder and Board of Directors. He loved being with his family, playing golf, fly fishing and spending time with Poppy on the coast of Maine.
Terry was pre-deceased by his parents, step parents, brother Mark and very special daughter-in-law, Denise. He is survived by Poppy, his sons; John of Ayer, MA and Matthew (Melissa) of Scituate, MA, amazing grandchildren; Jack of Sarasota, FL, Laura and Mark of Ayer, MA, Evan of Scituate, MA, sisters; Bobbie Bryson of Clearwater, FL, Karen Nelson of NM, Kristin Izes (Bob) of WV and brother Lyle Peirce (Dianne) of Newport, ME. He also leaves cherished aunts, uncle, nephews, nieces and great nephew/niece. Three incredible women have also entered his life: Larraine, Jean and Carol, thanks to John, Evan and Jack. Special thanks to Dr. Iyer and the “infusion angels” especially Lyndsay, of Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday, August 20, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd, Wilbraham. Family and friends may meet for Terry’s Celebration of Life Service on Thursday, August 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Wilbraham United Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095 or to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.