Joseph Peter Nelson, Sr., "Pete" 73 of Avenue, MD passed away on March 14, 2013 in Avenue, MD. Born May 31, 1939 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Francis Parren Nelson, Sr. and Agnes Katherine Ryon Nelson.

Pete is survived by his son Joseph P. Nelson, Jr and his wife Michelle of Great Mills, MD, son in-law Tommy Sparks of Lexington Park, MD, 4 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren, siblings: Shirley Vallandingham of Colton's Point, MD, Francis "Rod" Nelson, Jr. (Claudia) of Avenue, MD, Michael "Mickey" Nelson (Liz), John "Jack" Nelson (Debbie), and Terry Lee Nelson (Barbara), all of Clements, MD, Clyde "Corkey" Nelson (Gyale), Sandra Kaywood (George), James "Buck" Nelson (Lorraine), and Donald "Donnie" Nelson (Sandy) all of Mechanicsville, MD.

Pete was preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Sparks, sister Joan Ryce and brother in-laws Francis Vallandingham and Tommy Ryce.

Pete was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident and was a Heavy Equipment Operator and Waterman until his retirement in 2006.

Pete enjoyed going to the dirt track, fishing, crabbing and his dog Friskie.

The family receive friends on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 2:00PM until 5:00PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 7 Avenue, MD 20609.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.