Ruben Nelson

Ruben Nelson, 82, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at his home in Charleston, SC, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Nelson are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 3, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1695 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. The Rite of Committal and Military Honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, Sunday, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Ruben was born September 15, 1934, son of the late Ruben Young and Susie Nelson Young. He spent his youth in SC, but a sense of adventure led him to join the military at the young age of 17. He entered the United States Air Force, October 1951 - October 1955 and entered the United States Army, January 1956 - April 1957. Ruben loved and excelled in both branches of service and became a Military police officer. He returned home with a desire to protect and serve, becoming a city policeman in Charleston. He went on to become the first black policemen appointed to the Charleston County Police Department. To extend his law enforcement career, Ruben moved his young family to New York City. There he received many certifications and accolades while attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He later joined a subdivision of the NYPD, where he served until his retirement in May 2000. Always looking to be challenged, Ruben concurrently obtained a degree is physical education and became the Director of Physical Education at a local catholic school. He was also a "road warrior" and traveled regularly in his "prized blue van" going state to state, visiting his children and their families. His hobbies included music, roller skating and most competitive sports. Ruben was also an avid reader focusing primarily on topics pertaining to the history of man, cultural beliefs and differences, and black history. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Delores Nelson and their three daughters, Vetta Platero (Rodolfo), Vonda Capellan (Miguel) and Valecia Jones; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Nelson was well loved and respected by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.