Richard Norbert Nelson, 83, of Virginia Beach passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024 with his wife at his bedside. Born in Litchfield, MN on October 24, 1940, son of Raymond August Nelson and Malvina Henrietta Nelson. He is survived by his loving wife Saadia Nelson, his two sons Eric and Clifford, his grandchildren Dylan and Rylie Nelson, and siblings Lyle Nelson, Gwen Scott, Philip Nelson, and JoAnn Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Malvina, his sister Kathleen Nelson and brother DeVaughn Nelson, and daughter-in-law Kate Meaghan Nelson.

After working on a family friend’s farm and completing his associate’s degree at Northern Montana College, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 whereby he served for over 30 years and retired after reaching the highest enlisted rank, Command Master Chief. He specialized in Aviation Electronics, and immediately served in Vietnam and later in Desert Storm to uphold, defend and secure American values, security, and interests across domestic and foreign lands. In 1971, while stationed in Spain he met Saadia who was visiting from Morocco. She stayed and worked until they married in Gibraltar on October 17, 1974. Richard was a dedicated Father, Husband, and devout conservative Catholic raised in a large Minnesota family of seven children.

He was a simple man that didn’t need or want much. He had a real affinity for cars. He enjoyed reading about them, working on them, and admiring them. He was practically a savant when it came to knowing any automobile’s make, model, and year. Second to cars were house projects, he was a real Mr. Fix-It, always building or fixing something for his family or friends. He will be sorely missed and always remembered for his reliability, compassion, and generous heart, always willing to lend his helping hand.

A celebration of Richard’s life, legacy, and memories will be held with services for a Visitation and Viewing at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Rd Chapel, Thursday, August 8, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 pm; a Funeral Mass at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Friday, August 9, 2024, 10:00 am, followed immediately by a burial at Princess Anne Memorial Park and celebratory reception back at St Gregory’s. Memorial donations may be made to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Richard.