Sept. 9, 1962 – Oct. 28, 2014
Kenneth William Walking Thunder Nelson passed away at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014. He was 52. He is survived by his daughter Rachel Eunice Little Owl Nelson and her mother Johanna Lebron Calderon; his father, Rev. Kenneth L. Nelson; his mother and stepfather, Joan and Adolph Green; his two sisters, Donna Townsend and Eunice “Quita” Sullivan. His loss is felt by his nephews and niece, David, Matthew, Sarah, and Padraig and by the many young people he helped guide during troubled periods in their lives.
Ken was born in Brooklyn and spent many years of his youth in Chicago, IL. He moved to Riverhead as a teenager and later to Williamstown, NY where he lived for many years. Above all, Ken cared about people. He was always generous with his time and support when others were in need and he cared most about his family and the young people who always surrounded him. Ken had a gift for machines and an amazing ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and technical problems.
He was a proud member of the Montaukett Tribe of Long Island. He descended from Rev. Kenneth L. Two Spirits Nelson and Joan Green, his parents. His grandparents were Harry Nelson, Sr. and Eunice Bess Nelson, Shinnecock/Montaukett Tribe. Great-grandparents Isaiah Bess and Mary Jane Titus Bess, Montaukett. His great-great grandparents were Lucinda Lee Bess, Shinnecock and Morris Bess, Harry Titus and Mary D. Cuffee Titus, Montaukett.
He leaves to mourn their loss, his daughter, Rachel; Johanna, Rachel’s mom; Kenneth and Joan, his parents; sisters Eunice Sullivan and Donna Townsend; three aunts: Gladys Baskin, Mary Darden, Alma Nelson and Charlotte Nelson, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
Most of all, he loved well and was well-loved.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Oyster Bay Funeral Home, www.oysterbayfuneralhome.com.
