Franklin C. “Bud” Nelson, Jr., 94, of Westfield, N.J. and Lighthouse Point, Fla., entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Bud attended The Peddie School, Gainesville High School, where he was elected Homecoming King, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and later earned his Masters degree from Fairleigh Dickinson. He served as an Army Lieutenant during the Korean War, where he loved to recount when he was hand-selected by President Eisenhower to be part of his private security detail on the golf course. After the war, Bud’s professional career began with Esso Standard Oil Co.’s Real Estate Department in Linden, where he traveled the state in search of the perfect gas station location. He later moved on to benefit the oil, motel and restaurant industry as President of F.C. Nelson Associates, Consultants and Appraisers. He knew the state of New Jersey perhaps better than anyone, which was evident if you asked him directions. He would draw you a map, complete with every intersection, traffic light, points of interest, and often “the back way” to avoid heavy traffic. Later he used his diverse knowledge of New Jersey Land Use Law and served as Tax Assessor for Watchung, Kenilworth, Manasquan, Tinton Falls, Aberdeen, West Cape May and North Wildwood, and was
Franklin C. ‘Bud’ Nelson, Jr., Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather
a member of the Society of Professional Assessors, Inc. Always looking to educate and challenge himself beyond retirement, Bud became a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker in both New Jersey and Florida. He continued earning his New Jersey State Certification credits well into his nineties. Being a former Glee Club member and selftaught piano and guitar player, Bud later enjoyed volunteering his talents in the Grant/ Washington School Show. His grandchildren fondly share their memories of their grandfather playing an active role in their arts, musical and sporting endeavors, as well as his ability to make donuts magically appear with his famous “hocus pocus denie mocus” wave of his hands. Many Westfielders remember enjoying his famous Irish coffees on Christmas Eve mornings.
Bud was a member of Echo Lake Country Club, Westfield Tennis Club, Westfield Area Y, American Legion, Elks Club and Lighthouse Point Yacht Club and was an avid Rutgers Alumni and Scarlet Knights fan.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Janice (née Griffith); his children, Vicki Kimmins, Franklin C. “Chris” Nelson, III (Mary), Amy Parada (Ray) and Guy Nelson (Ha); and his beloved grandchildren, Britton, Griffith, Spencer, Christian, Paige and Guy.
Interment is private.
May 23, 2024
