Herbert "Sonny" Nelson

Herbert “Sonny” Nelson, 93, of Beach Road in Becket, passed peacefully from this life Thursday, June 27, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Sonny was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 16, 1931, the son of Herbert T. and Alma Carter Nelson. He graduated from Trade High School in Springfield and later served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and taught basic training at West Point. Active in veterans’ affairs, Sonny was a member of the Foreign Legion and was Post Commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1632. After a 35-year career as a manager at Sweet Life Food Service, he retired to Becket in the early 1980s. Sonny was well-known for his service to the Becket community, having been director and treasurer for the Becket Council on Aging, where he also shopped and cooked for seniors. He was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Hinsdale, an Agawam Sportsman’s Club member, and a volunteer at the Becket Transfer Station. Sonny was known for his beautiful drawings, intricate doodling, and enjoyed solving word and jigsaw puzzles. His favorite pastime was relaxing at Papa Bob’s, where his frequent and welcome presence was honored with a special seat in his name.

Sonny is survived by his sister, Sarah “Sally” Kuras of West Suffield, CT, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Rita Chmura, Theresa Gates, and his brother Donald Nelson.

Calling hours will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, followed by a memorial service at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee, MA, and burial at North Becket Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Becket Council on Aging c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.