Richard " Dick" Harold Nelson

Richard "Dick" Harold Nelson of Stow, 81, died January 22, 2016 at Akron City Hospital.

He was born February 26th, 1934 to Harold and Harriet Nelson. A graduate of Buchtel High School in 1953, he obtained his BA in Biology and speech, MS in Administration & Secondary Education from the University of Akron where he was a member of Lambda Chi Fraternity. A lifeguard at Chippewa Lake for 6 years, he had also served as the aquatic director for the East Akron YMCA. He was a U.S. Army Captain serving in the armored tank division. He loved spending time with family, friends and neighbors, reading, hiking, nature, orienteering, swimming and traveling. He also enjoyed Chess and was active in many clubs and as a teacher. Dick was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls for over 50 years.

Dick retired from the Akron Public Schools where he taught Biology and was also Director of the Outdoor education program and a Science Curriculum Specialist. His passion in life was teaching; whether in the classroom, outdoors or over the chess board. He was a Jennings scholar from the Holden Foundation. He pioneered the Advanced Placement program for Biology for the State of Ohio. He had many other awards and honors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Joyce; sister, Judi (James) Hooper; sons, Richard (Charlotte), David (Laureen), John (Carie); grandchildren, Isaiah (Hannah), Micah (Emily), Gideon, James and Lydia; many nieces and nephews.

He left his body to NEOMED.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held 11 a.m. SATURDAY at the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, with Rev. Dr. David A. Baker officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the DAV. ( www.dav.org ). (Billow FALLS Chapel)