Nelson E. Gustafson
October 16, 1930 — August 3, 2017
Nelson E. Gustafson Jr. 86 of Poland died Thursday morning August 3, 2017 at the Cleveland Clinic. He was known simply as “Gus” to all who knew him. He was born October 16, 1930 in Youngstown, Ohio to Nelson and Myrna Jane (Stone) Gustafson Sr. and had been a loyal lifelong area resident.
Gus was a 1948 graduate of Boardman High School and had attended Youngstown College. He had worked twenty years as a brakeman for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and in 1966 started his own company working for several decades in the T.V. repair and antennae business. He was a member of Holy Family Church in Poland, where he had served as an usher.
An active member of Rotary, Gus had been a charter member of the Rotary Club of Poland, where he had served as secretary for many years and had served as the club’s president. While involved with the Rotary, He was instrumental in bringing the “Chili Open” golf event and sports auction to the area, which helped raise thousands upon thousands of dollars for local organizations and charities.
An avid golfer himself, Gus had played in several golf leagues in the area. He had coached little league for several years also in Boardman. He enjoyed all Ohio sports teams, actively following the Browns, Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes, but he will definitely be remembered as a devoted Y.S.U. fan. He ushered many Penguin football and basketball games. He was also active in the Gaelic Parade.
Besides his beloved wife, the former Caroline Maxim, whom he married June 18, 1966, he leaves a daughter, Amy (Thomas) Davitt of Poland; their children, Grandaughters, Hannah and Makenna; a daughter, Linda (Steve) Barnes in Colorado; two sons, Alan (Patty) Gustafson of North Lima, and James (Lori) Gustafson in West Virginia; several grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Gus was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Donald Gustafson, and his sister, Myrna Jane Smith.
The family would also like to acknowledge, Frank Esposito, neighbor and friend, who helped Gus throughout the years.
Friends are invited to visit with the family Friday August 11, 2017 from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. A private memorial mass will take place the following Monday at the Church.