Nelson Isdell

DELMAR - Our beloved "Papa" passed away peacefully on December 20, 2012. Nelson was born on July 4, 1921 to Nelson Blackall Isdell and Elizabeth Ann Churchill in Albany, NY. At the age of 4, he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Freda and Irving Isdell, who raised him as their son. Nelson grew up in Delmar, NY, graduating from Bethlehem Central High School in 1939 as President of his class. He went on to graduate from Duke University in 1943. After college, Nelson served in the Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Upon his return to Delmar, he worked in the family confectioner's store at the Four Corners. He met the first love of his life, Jane Carole Little, when her parents bought his parents' store. They were married on February 8, 1947. Carole and Nelson raised their three children Cathy, John, and Barbara, in Delmar where Nelson owned and operated Suburban Appliance, a retail kitchen design and appliance store. He then worked briefly as an advertising executive before moving to Pittsfield, MA in 1973 where he pursued a career in banking. Retiring in 1978 as Vice President of City Savings Bank, Carole and Nelson then moved to Florida for several years, enjoying cruising and traveling to many parts of the world. Family health issues brought them back to Delmar in the late 80s. Their greatest pleasure was spending time with family- especially taking their grandchildren on special trips and excursions until Carole's untimely death in 2001. On October 9, 2002, Nelson married the second love of his life, Jacqueline Hook-Isdell, longtime neighbor and friend. For the last ten years, Jackie has been a constant source of love and support in his life and ours. No words can express our gratitude for the devotion and care she unselfishly gave him. Without her tireless advocacy on his behalf, his life would have been very different. Her love meant the world to him. Nelson was a member of the "Greatest Generation." His beliefs were passionate and his faith was strong. He loved good food, good drink, beautiful music, and beautifully written words. His appreciation for beauty ranged from nature to home decorating. He loved his country with vigor, but his greatest love was for his family and his Lord. What better way to express how he felt about life than in his own words, written in 1992 to his granddaughter: "My hope for the future is for peace on Earth, the cessation of hunger and disease, the return to moral, ethical, and family values, and the spread of love throughout the entire world. I'd like the world to know that I cared- about everyone and everything. That I tried my best, even though I erred a lot. That I am a person of good character and have strong moral, ethical, and family values. That I am a fighter for right- no matter what. That principles and loyalties are worth fighting for. That my family is what matters to me most. And that my belief in Jesus Christ has no boundary. I have total, unbridled faith in his sovereignty." We celebrate his life and his legacy. We treasure the brave and loving way he left us. We'll cherish his memory forever. Nelson is survived by his beloved children: Cathy Schaefer (Joe), John Isdell (Christina), Barbara Duclos (Joe); grandchildren Molly Schaefer; Matt, Zoe, and Chelsea Isdell; Elizabeth, Megan, and Phoebe Duclos; and great-grandson Oliver Reil; his loving wife Jackie; her children Gayle Ward (Paul), Beth Karis (Ted), Cathy Hasselbach (Bob), and Chuck Hook (Sue); twenty grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Bob Isdell (Carol); half-siblings Rick Isdell, Michelle Bowick (Tony); and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful people who cared for Nelson: the team at Community Hospice of Albany County; the staff at Albany Regional Kidney Center, especially Dr. Vincent Carsillo; Delmar Rescue Squad; Dr. Roy Fruiterman; Dr. Stephen Hillinger; and Dr. Samuel Feldman. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Donations in Nelson's memory may be made to American Association of Kidney Patients, Delmar Rescue Squad, or Community Hospice.