Joseph Nelson, age 86 years, of Oceanport, NJ, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 in Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Newark, NJ, January 1, 1929, son of the late Lester and Gertrude Menkes Nelson, Joe had lived in Oceanport for the past twenty-one years, having lived previously in Little Silver, Lincroft, Shrewsbury, and Millburn, NJ.

A proud United States Navy veteran of World War II, he was the Owner and Operator of Nelson Press, first located in Newark, NJ for over twenty-five years before relocating the business to Rumson, NJ in 1976.

Joe was a hardworking and generous man whose sense of humor was one of a kind; coupled with his business acumen and love of people, this made him a true mentor to many throughout the years. He was devoted to his family and this was expressed no better than in the loving and tender care he took of his beloved wife, Janet Helthall Nelson, for the past ten years. She preceded him in death this past October, after sixty-five years of marriage.

A former Boy Scout leader in Shrewsbury, NJ, he was an avid motorcycle rider, photographer and enjoyed anything involving the outdoors, including hunting, archery and fishing. Some of the families fondest memories are of spending time together during the summers at Lake Hopatcong, NJ and also at a second home in Vermont.

In addition to his parents and spouse, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, James.

Surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Debbie and William Lamberson of Red Bank, NJ, Carole Costell of Monmouth Beach, NJ, and Leslie and Bill Havens of Shrewsbury, NJ; four grandchildren, Tara Wroble, Justin Costell, and Rebecca and Samantha Havens; a great grandson, Shawn Wroble, Jr.; a second great grandson due in 2016; the longtime companion and caregiver of his wife, Jean Shakes; and many extended family and friends.

Joe will lie in repose on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 with a funeral service to take place at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Interment with his cherished Janet will be private. Directions and further information can be found by visiting www.thompsonmemorial.net.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is invited to visit Joe’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where public or private messages of condolences may be sent as well as stories and photos of his life shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Deborah Hospital Foundation, 212 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015.