Timothy John Nelson, aged 60, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He died at his home in Pepperell, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loved ones. Nelson’s life was marked by dedication to his family, community, and work.
Born on May 29, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, Nelson was the son of Joan Marie (Nielsen) and the late John Francis Nelson. He grew up in Lowell and graduated from the Greater Lowell Technical High School in 1983, where he was an active member of the football team and studied power mechanics. After completing his education, he became an Enfield certified diesel mechanic and worked in the construction industry until the market downturn in the late 1980s.
Following this, Nelson transitioned to a position with the City of Lowell school department, where he served as a custodian until his early retirement. Known for his hard work and meticulous nature, he took pride in his home and family. Nelson was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was plowing snow for neighbors or assisting friends with various projects. He often shared his motto: “Work smarter, not harder,” although he sometimes found it hard to resist putting in extra effort.
On November 19, 1988, Nelson married his beloved wife, Catherine Francis (Hamel) Nelson. Together, they raised four children—Jason, Steven, Sara, and Michael—in Tyngsborough before relocating to Pepperell in 2001. The family shared many cherished memories through activities such as camping, fishing, and traveling to destinations like Searsport, Pittsburg, Mt. Rushmore, Washington, D.C., Ireland, and St. Lucia.
Nelson was diagnosed with lung cancer more than four years prior to his death. Despite undergoing numerous treatments and frequent visits to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, he maintained his jovial spirit and resilience. The family expressed deep gratitude to the medical staff at Dana Farber for their compassionate care throughout Nelson’s illness.
In addition to his family, Nelson was proud to be associated with Alcoholics Anonymous for over 16 years, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and support for others. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and their four children. Other survivors include his mother, Joan Nelson of Lowell; sister Christie Ferguson and her husband Wayne of Lowell; and close friend Stephen Bridges of Pepperell.
Visiting hours are scheduled for Thursday, September 11, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the McGaffigan Funeral Home located at 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) in Pepperell. The evening will conclude with a time of remembrance for family and friends.
In honor of Timothy J. Nelson’s memory, the family plans to make a charitable donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through their Gene Display project. In lieu of flowers, they invite donations towards this memorial Gene, which supports cancer research and patient care. Further details can be found at the McGaffigan Funeral Home website.