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J. Nelson Patrolia

January 16, 2011
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Message from Rich Silvia
February 12, 2011 12:22 PM

All of the Patrolia's are very special people!

I grew-up in the same neighborhood, the "Hill Side".
While I was considerably younger, the Patrolia family paid a lot of attention to me.
They all smiled and laughed a lot. Great athletes, craftsmen and friends.
Ann and Helen baby sat me. I used to love watching Jack and Ted building dozens of model aircraft. They were big and fantastic. Ted constructed a large multi-engine flying wing! I can still see Ted starting all of those engines; then launching it into the air at Milliken Field.

Nelson was a very good football player, who player for a town team. One night his team had a night game at the Canton High School Field. He asked me if I wanted to go with him. The eleven year old boy with wide eyes said, "Sure"! Who knew to ask my mother. I hopped in a two door coupe and off we went.
Standing with all of his team mates, under the glaring lights, on the side lines was magnificent. I watched Nelson on every play. He was intense. I remember him chasing down a ball carrier. He hit him so hard that the runner fumbled the ball and was very slow to get up. Nelson actually helped him up.

I watched the family build beautiful houses all over Cohasset and the South Shore.
What a legacy. I think that I learned something just by hanging around them all.

Do you remember riding anything that you could find or make-up Down Norfolk Road in the summer and winter snow. Mickey was my favorite.
He nailed a pair of skies to the bottom of a chair, sat down and went flying down the snow packed hill. Another time he built a two story Soap Box Derby type car. I was at the bottom of the hill when I was startled to see this contraption Rocketing down the hill, past "Cricket" Mitchell's house and headed right for me.
Mickey was in the top half and it was a good thing for him.
It missed me and careened into an iron fire hydrant.
The top half (containing the young inventor) broke off while the unfortunate lower half was smashed to pieces. It is a tough life being a test pilot!

My father Built and race Indy. cars across the street. Lindy Harris drove some of them. The midget that was on the roof of Joe's garage for years, was one of them.

Ted and Mark (still good friends) became educators and taught with me in the Hingham Schools.

I love all of you. Nelson was very kind and encouraging to a young boy.

I am sorry for his passing but so grateful for what he and his family have given me.

Rich Silvia
Message from Susan Williamson
January 28, 2011 8:07 PM

Dear Family and friends,
It is with great sadness that I read Nelson's obituary tonight in the Falmouth paper. I had the wonderful honor of delivering meals on wheels each Friday to Nelson for 3 years at his beautiful home on the lake. He was so proud of his family and always shared stories with me about each and every one of you. The pictures were all over his house hanging on the walls and as I would be visiting with him during the delivery of his meal, he would call me over to a picture and tell me a wonderful story about the person in the picture. He kept a globe in his kitchen with markers showing where he had visited in his lifetime. He was so proud of the places he had seen while serving in the Navy. In the warm months of spring, summer and fall he could be found lounging on his deck soaking up the sunshine. Sometimes I would find him just coming back from a rowing trip across the lake in his rowboat. Also on the deck of his lakeside home were hummingbird feeders. We would often compare our stories about these amazing birds. Lining the railings of his deck were potted flowers as well. Then each year in mid-winter he couldn't wait to go south to Florida. I always missed him while he was gone and glad to see him return. His wonderful smile and cheerfulness will remain with me forever. It was my pleasure to have shared Friday mornings with Nelson- such a gentleman.

Susan Williamson
Message from Coralie A Sullivan
January 23, 2011 5:42 PM

Dear Patroila family, ie Carol, Joe, Billy, Paul, Ann Marie, and Gerard and all your families. I have been so sad since I!ve heard about Nelson, its been really hard to talk about him. I was going to call him soon to ask him to go to Florida April 13 when I visit my daughter Patty in Florida, so we could bum around together and perhaps go over to Sanabell Island , like we usually did I was so shocked when I got the phone call. He died the night before my 74th birthday------He!s now with Kay whom he loved and missed so much. I considered her my best friend and I was devestated when she passed. You children have been like my own children. I hope I can see you all before I leave this world. Again, my love and sorrow are with you. Love always. your cousin by marriage , Corky
Message from Donna Fridgen
January 22, 2011 6:02 PM

Annie and Gerard,

I was very sorry to hear the news about Nelson. I have wonderful memories of weekends down the Cape and trips to Belmont. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Donna
Message from Grace Angeleri
January 22, 2011 12:05 PM

To the Patrolia Family Very sorry to hear Nelson has died. He was 84 yrs young. He enjoyed life at Jenkins Pond and winters in Florida. He has moved on to a better place and has joined the rest of the family that have gone before him. Nelson may be gone but not forgotten. May his spirit live on!!
Thinking of you all during this very sad time.
xoxo Grace
Message from Paul Patrolia Jr
January 21, 2011 4:24 PM

RIP Grampie we will sure miss you
Message from Ellen D'Antuono Blacklidge
January 20, 2011 7:25 PM

I'm thinking of all of you. Nelson was a great person, with a good sense of humor. I have wonderful childhood memories of hanging out at your house and of both of your parents.

Ellen
Message from Chris and Bob Nault
January 19, 2011 7:51 PM

Nelson was such a great guy! He loved sharing his beach house at Camp Nel. Every time I think of him it is with a smile and a funny Nelson story! We are going to miss him. Remembering his stories, which could change from telling to telling! Always smiling and making us smile.
Message from christopher j Rabelo
January 19, 2011 12:55 PM

Rest in peace Nelson.. Me and my family will always have great memories of you.
From your grandson chiba.
Message from Coleen O'Hanley
January 19, 2011 10:52 AM

Gerard,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. I know this is a great loss for all of you.

Keeping you all in my thoughts,
Coleen
Message from Laurie Sullivan
January 19, 2011 9:05 AM

I have so many special memories with Uncle Nelson. You will be missed and you were loved by all. I have fond memories of going fishing with him and him waking us all up to see the Morning Glories.... My deepest sympathy for my cousins. I'm so sorry for not being able to be there in your time of grief. I love you all and I am with you in spirit.

Laurie
Message from Barbara Browne
January 19, 2011 8:20 AM

Dave and I are deeply saddened by Nelson's passing. May you always cherish your memories of the times spent with Nelson and his "Nel-isms"--Firecrackers in the grill, barbara "absolutely" hungover in Falmouth on countless weekends, "La Jolla", the jowls and diners at Belmont! He had a full and exciting life. May he rest in peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Message from Phil and Maggie Hertzog
January 18, 2011 9:16 PM

WAS A PLEASURE SHARING SEA STORIES WITH NELSON AS I'AM ALSO A NAVY VETERAN. MAGGIE REMEMBERS THE FRUIT SALAD HE LIKED AT EDIE'S PLACE, HERE IN FROSTPROOF. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Message from Edith Reilly
January 18, 2011 9:11 PM

MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. SORRY I CAN'T BE UP THERE. JOHN WANTED TO DRIVE UP, BUT WITHE WEATHER NOT A GOOD THING. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Message from The Swan Family
January 18, 2011 6:19 PM

Gerard, Maureen, Kay and Bella,

we are so very sorry to hear about Nelson..Our thoughts are with you.

Love,

Dana, Erika and Meghan
Message from Tracy Gately
January 18, 2011 3:55 PM

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We know you all have a lot of wonderful memories that you will always cherish.

Tracy, Matther, Shawn & Sharon
Message from Sheila Barrow
January 18, 2011 9:27 AM

Nelson will be deeply missed... Leaving behind many great memories and wonderful stories he always had to share with us. So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Joseph & Sheila Barrow and Family
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