Arlon E. Nelson, 83

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Arlon Edward “Al” Nelson, 83, of Clarksburg, Mass., died on Monday, July 16, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. 

He was born in Providence, R.I., on October 1, 1934, a son of the late Edward and Esther (Soderquist) Nelson. Al graduated from North Attleboro High School and went on to attend the Leland Powers School of Radio, Television & Theater in Boston. He also studied at the National Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, D.C.

He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant. Al worked as the program director at the WMNB North Adams radio station for many years. He later worked as the director of the Northern Berkshire United Way. 

Al was very actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Berkshire Community Coalition, where he served on the board in a number of capacities, including as treasurer. He was the co-founder of the Northern Berkshire Faith Action Initiative; the co-founder of the Friendship Food Pantry; served on the advisory board for the Salvation Army, as well as Habitat for Humanity; and enjoyed being a member of the Williams College Quarterback Club. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, where he served as a longtime deacon.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Anne (Miller) Nelson, whom he married on May 14, 1966, at the Baptist Church in Norwich, Conn.; and his nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Lois Hall.

Funeral notice: A memorial service to celebrate the life of Arlon “Al” Nelson will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of North Adams, 131 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Private burial in the family plot at Southview Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the First Baptist Church of North Adams, the Friendship Food Pantry, or to the donor’s charity of choice.