Bill Nelson

William (Bill) Nelson was born to Fred and Betty Nelson on March 24, 1947. His parents chose

Plymouth Michigan to start his career and raise their family after randomly throwing a dart on a

map upon hearing Michigan was a great place to live. His family was old school Plymouth with

deep roots in the community. His father Fred, a Army veteran, became a music educator at

Plymouth High School. Bill was the oldest of the Nelson "Irish twins. The Nelson brothers, Bill

and Jim, both grew to great heights, literally, as both were over 6'7";, always sharing a close

resemblance and relationship. Bill graduated from Plymouth High School in 1964 and followed

his Father's path to become an educator. He joked he should have earned his doctorate after

taking 7 years working his way through college at Eastern Michigan University. Bill student-

taught under his life-long friend, Al Sudia. He went on to begin a 38 year career with Plymouth

community schools at West Middle School. Bill married his beloved wife Susan on October 12,

1984. They resided in Plymouth and it is also where they raised their daughter, Melissa (a

Plymouth Salem graduate).

Bill's dedication to teaching extended beyond the classroom. He enjoyed doing lunch duty,

working the scoreboard at West basketball games, running West’s student council, organizing

yearly trips to Cedar Pointe and Washington DC, and his love of coaching tennis, which he did

up until the end. Whether teaching, coaching or mentoring, his ability to connect with students

and families was an amazing gift. He left a lasting impact on others including people like Andy

Lesko, a former student, friend and one he thought of like a son. He had an uncanny way of

remembering students he taught, recalling moments and sharing stories when he would run into

them through the years. Among former students were also his two sister-in-law's, Donna and

Robin, which left them with plenty of great stories at family parties or events and the attraction

at any parties at their houses involving friends from the West Middle school days.

He always was able to draw out laughter, another gift, and could build relationships and

connections like no other. This can be seen through his lifelong friendships with David and

Carolyn Sackett or his clutched breakfast group, made up of former colleagues from his

West days that continued long after their retirement.

After retiring, Bill and his wife Susan moved to the city of Detroit to be close to their daughter

Melissa and son in law, Ed Del Beccaro. His daughter, Melissa and her husband met at

Purdue, got married in Detroit and shortly thereafter made a life in the city. He was especially

proud of both of them and all they’ve accomplished. Moving also gave him daily access to his

beloved grandchildren, Lucca (13), Edward William (10) and Siena (1.5). Papa (as the

grandkids called him) was their “Buber”, the kids’ personal chauffeur. Making daily trips to and

from school, babysitting, taking them to the beach on Belle Isle, he always enjoyed hosting

sleepovers at the historic hotel downtown he and Susan lived in as well as any other

opportunity to be with his family.

Living downtown was also something that not only offered great views but allowed ease of

access to all the cultural events and great restaurants to be enjoyed. Despite his handicap (he

spent the last 16 years on crutches), he took advantage of all the revitalization taking place in

the city.

When you met Bill you can bet you’d remember him because his “larger than life” presence

could not only be seen but felt. His extended family benefited from this presence, he was “Uncle

Bill” to many who loved him and could always count on him to make the kids laugh. He was

always a welcome addition at the “kids table”, where often he found himself enjoying at Sarah

LeBlanc’s home, or as he coined her, “sister Sarah” house (one of Missy’s cousins, Sarah was

as close to a sister to his daughter Melissa as one could be growing up).

Bill was an avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed trips to Hawaii and “cruising” around the

globe, visits to Bass Lake, and trips up to Indian River. He loved spending time with family

and friends, hosting pool parties and lounging in his pool, coaching tennis, mentoring

students, umpiring softball, eating out at the latest restaurants, live music and attending

concerts. Most recently he was personally serenaded by Anita Baker on his way to the

parking lot, she stopped to sing to him. He would drive Sue crazy, spending hours doing the

NYT crossword puzzles (he didn’t miss a day), with his beloved bulldogs lounging at his feet.

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy, Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased” Maya

Angelou.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Susan, of 38 years, their daughter Melissa and son-in-law

Edward Del Becarro and his three grandchildren, Lucca (13), Teddy (10) and Siena (1.5).

Among others he leaves behind are his brother Jim and his wife, Nancy. His sister in laws

Donna Darrow (Mike) and Robin Freeman (Kevin) and their families along with his extended

family and friends. Mother in law, Dolores Pietruk. He is preceded in death by his parents

Fred and Betty Nelson.

We are looking to set up a scholarship fund to continue Bill's legacy.