Nelson Northern. (Courtesy photo)
Nelson Northern, 95, of Fort Pierce, Florida, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 30, 2026.
Born on June 27, 1931, in Boston, Nelson was the son of Harry and Alfreda Northern. He attended Boston Latin School and, shortly after graduating, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Alaska during the height of the Korean War. After completing his tour, Nelson moved back to the Boston area and worked as a contractor and quality assurance technician on Minuteman missile systems during the Cold War, a time he always remembered for the tense days of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After moving on from the defense industry, Nelson worked for Thermo-Electron in quality assurance before landing a career tailor-made for a man who loved to travel, tell stories, and connect with people—sales representative for Lincoln Laboratory. Nelson was also a lifelong Freemason, a family tradition he passed down to his grandson.
Nelson was full of life. He loved spending time playing golf, visiting with friends, spending time with family, and was even known to love a little bit of political banter. He is survived by his dear daughters, Lisa Northern of Salisbury, and Susanne Kolosey of Haverhill, and her partner, Charlie Preston; grandchildren: Charlie Northern, Madison Kolosey, Savannah Kolosey, and Julia Christ; and his great-granddaughter, Maiya Barron. He is also survived by his nephews, Marc and Eric Northern. Nelson was predeceased by his beloved second wife, Pauline, in 2011. His first wife, Charlene Patten, with whom he raised his children, died in 2023. Lastly, Nelson was predeceased by his brother, Cliff Northern, and his wife Maureen.
Nelson and Pauline lived many fun and intimate years together. They ate and drank their way around the world, making many friends and memories along the way. Having spent 15 years without her by his side, may he finally be reunited with her.
Nelson was not someone to be forgotten. His mighty laugh, quick humor, and warm demeanor easily made him the life of the party, right up until his last days.
His charismatic personality continues to be reflected in the wonderful friendships and relationships he formed throughout his life, especially the one with Lil Imparato, with whom he spent the last 15 years of his life.
He will forever be missed, and not a day will go by that he is forgotten. We wish him peace, love, and an eternity of happiness in paradise.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in New England. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, Florida, in Nelson’s memory.