Carl W. Nelson, III

Carl W. Nelson III

January 1, 1941 – June 30, 2026

Carl W. Nelson III, a devoted father, cherished grandfather, and accomplished electrical engineer, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the Charlestown Senior Living Community in Catonsville, Maryland. He was 85 years old.

Born on New Year's Day in 1941 to the late Carl and Elizabeth Nelson, Carl grew up in Bristol, Pennsylvania. His early fascination with technology led him to Drexel University and later Johns Hopkins University, where he excelled in the rapidly evolving field of electrical engineering.

Following a successful college co-op experience with Westinghouse, Carl launched a distinguished career that spanned 41 years with the company (which later became Northrop Grumman). Though his work on vital defense projects for the U.S. military was strictly classified, his quiet pride in supporting his country was always evident to those who knew him.

Growing up as the eldest of six, Carl was the quintessential big brother, serving as a constant leader, example, and designated driver for his siblings. He inherited a strong work ethic from his father, a builder, and proudly learned the tricks of the trade while helping build a family home in the Pocono Mountains.

On June 20, 1970, Carl married the love of his life, Anne McGinley, also of Bristol. The newlyweds relocated permanently to Maryland, starting their life together in an apartment on Maple Road. This location was fittingly close to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Linthicum, a community that would become the cornerstone of their lives for over half a century.

Carl’s faith was his guiding light. As a dedicated parishioner, he served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister, assisted with the weekly accounting of the church collection, and became an active member and officer in the Knights of Columbus. He consistently put his faith into action, preparing weekly meals for Our Daily Bread and participating in Habitat for Humanity projects. Carl was also a pillar of support for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, proudly standing alongside his wife during her tenure as National Regent.

In his youth, Carl had a penchant for speed and technology, enjoying motorcycles, owning Corvettes, and exploring the early days of computers, CB radios, and cameras. As the years passed and he grew a bit more mature (and admittedly, a bit more bald), Carl developed a reputation for being a man who generally avoided crowds and travel. Yet, ironically, his family always found themselves on unforgettable road trips with Carl firmly and happily at the wheel.

His practical nature was legendary and often paired with a soft spot for his companions; he was famously known for smuggling leftover breakfast sausage from Friendly's in his napkin to bring home for his beloved dog, Joey. Carl was a man of few words, but his strong values, his dry wit, and his deep love for his family were always crystal clear.

Carl is survived by his children Keith Nelson and his wife, Hala, Stacy Levery and her husband, Robert, Alan Nelson and his wife, Betsy, and Timothy Nelson. He is the cherished grandfather to Kaleb Levery (and his wife, Julia), Declan Levery and Sary Alcala Shehadeh. He is the devoted brother of Mary Kuznicki (Ray) and Wayne Nelson (Jane) and Elaine Nelson. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law, Judi McGinley, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Anne, brothers John Nelson and James Nelson and his wife, Nancy, and his sister, Judy Lake. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jack Hornor, and his sister-in-law Mary Smith.

In lieu of services and flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Philip Neri School.

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