Hampshire, IL - Deacon John W. Nelson, a former permanent deacon for the Diocese of Rochester, died April 1, 2026. He was 82 years old.

Deacon Nelson was a native of Rahway, N.J. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Notre Dame, where he participated in the ROTC program. He served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, earning several medals for his dedication and service. He then earned a master's degree in business administration from San Diego State University. He subsequently moved to Rochester to begin a career in finance with Xerox Corp. that spanned nearly three decades.

After retiring from Xerox, Deacon Nelson completed studies at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry and was ordained a permanent deacon on June 8, 2002, by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Rochester's Sacred Heart Cathedral. He then served until 2007 at his home parish of Christ the King in Irondequoit, where he and his wife, Kay, were involved with youth group, pre-Cana and Marriage Encounter. Deacon Nelson also served in the diocesan Parish Support Ministries office.

In 2007, Deacon Nelson relocated to Illinois, where he was active at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Hampshire for 18 years. Through Deacon Nelson's leadership, the church established its first conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping many families in need. He also volunteered as a chaplain and Communion minister at area hospitals and nursing homes.

Deacon George Dardess, a 2002 ordination classmate, recalled Deacon Nelson as "a very supportive, good-humored colleague and classmate — always eager to celebrate and enjoy the company of friends."

"Thinking back to our days of diaconate formation, I remember John's enthusiastic and positive attitude to the classes and programs we participated in, and how much he felt God calling him to become a deacon," added another classmate, Deacon John Crego.

In addition to his wife, Deacon Nelson is survived by his children, Kelly (David) Zitlow, Christopher (Joan) Nelson, Bridget Nelson and Megan (Russ) Wylie; grandchildren, Eva and Ryan Zitlow, Hannah (Matthew) Duffey, Christopher (Samantha), Katherine, Conor and Jack Nelson, and Eloise, Henry and George Wylie; sister, Janice Pflugfelder; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

His funeral Mass is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Hampshire. The Mass will be livestreamed at youtube.com/live/-xbZZR3T2oE.

- Courier obituary by Mike Latona