Alfred Nelson

Alfred “Al” Soren Nelson, age 72, of Boonton Township, passed on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

He was born in Glen Ridge to Soren and Cora Nelson and raised in Montville. Al graduated from Montville High School with the Class of 1967. After high school, he worked for his fathers’ well drilling business before he was drafted into the US Army. In the Army, he served mostly in Germany, during the Vietnam War.

After his service in the US Army, Al returned to work with his father at the well-drilling company called Pinebrook Well Drillers in Montville. Al eventually took over the company, renaming it Water Services. He ran his successful business for over forty-five years out of Boonton Township.

Al was very active in his local community. He would donate to the police department, fire department, and other community organizations. Al had a soft spot in his heart for children’s joy. He also donated to all sorts of children’s activities including the town fishing derby, soccer, dance, and cheer just to name a few.

He was the kind of guy that was always willing to lend a helping hand… even if you didn’t want it. You lived in fear of telling Al you liked something because if you did he would overwhelm you with that particular thing.

He found great satisfaction in spoiling his grandchildren – especially at Christmas. The back of his work truck would be filled with presents just like Santa’s sleigh. His grandchildren remember him coming to the house in the middle of the summer and saying, “who is ready to do some back-to-school shopping?” He was always thoughtful, kind-hearted, a great friend, helpful, and brutally honest.

Al enjoyed bird-watching so much that he had feeders that were always full. He enjoyed reading his books sitting in the sun on beautiful days. He also loved sitting on the back patio of his stepdaughter and son-in-law’s house relaxing and spending time with his grand dogs Abby and Baxter – spoiling them with way too many treats. But his absolute favorite thing to do was to enjoy coffee with his best friend Ed Vnencak. They would sit while gazing at the farm, chatting for hours.

Al was the loving step-father of Heidi Biro and her husband Vic of Lincoln Park; cherished grandfather of Heather Truesdale and her husband Andrew of Boonton Township, Aaron Wright of Rockaway, and Josh Wright and his love Rosie Di Maggio of Boonton Township; he was the dearly loved great-grandfather of Tyler and Grayson Truesdale; dear brother of Eunice and Eric; and will be greatly missed by his best friend Ed Vnencak and love Carol.  Al is predeceased by his sisters Karen and Ingrid and his loving parents Soren and Cora.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Valerie Fund