Scott Nelson

Scott Michael Nelson was born to Geraldine (affectionally known as “the frog) and Earl Nelson on September 16, 1958 in a small town in central Wisconsin called Chippewa Falls. Scott was the 5th of 7 children. Scott’s early years were very typical of central Wisconsin, his brothers and father were all avid hunters and fisherman, while Scott preferred television and reading. His love of Scooby Doo quickly earned him the nickname “Scooby”, a nickname his husband would use 1000’s of times later in life.

Scott’s teen years and early adult life were very typical of those who grew up in the 70’s, sex, drugs and rock and roll. He had long hair, ear rings and like so many others of that era experimented with drugs. That experimentation led Scott to some deep troubles that were fortunately resolved when Scott entered treatment in his early 20’s. The past 30+ years of his life Scott lived as a sober and responsible adult.

During this time, Scott’s older brother Curtis suffered an early and untimely death. The anguish and pain that this caused to his father Earl and mother Geraldine was something that never fully healed. This was roughly the same time that Scott entered rehab and told his family that he was gay. His parents accepted this without hesitation. His father stating at a family event “If Scott and his friend are not welcome, then neither am I”. There was no further issue with Scott’s sexuality and as I am writing this (Magdy), the greeting that I received from Scott’s family was as if I was a visiting dignitary. The red carpet that was rolled out could not have been grander or more sincere.

Scott’s first partner Dennis passed in the 1990’s, a victim of AIDS. During this time Scott lived in Key West. Whether a result of nursing Dennis or something else, Scott became a nurse and relocated back to NE Pennsylvania. He worked for a time at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was described by the nurses there as a skilled nurse who made the night shift bearable.

In the early part of 2004, Scott made a visit to West New York, NJ. This visit would not only dramatically change his life, but that of his future partner. In the early part of July 2004, Scott moved to West New York and began his life with Magdy Tadros. Sadly, Scott’s mom passed in the winter of 2004, but Scott was blessed to have the honor of being her caretaker over those last few days. Over the next 19 years, Scott and Magdy traveled to over 20 countries, countless states and over a dozen cruises. Clearly travel was a passion of Scott’s.

In 2005, Scott and Magdy purchased a home in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Scott became an ICU nurse at Overlook Medical Center, a position he held until 2016 when his chronic knee and back pain became too much. His life in Pompton Lakes included:
Friday night dinner- (a weekly smorgasbord for anyone who wanted to attend) and raising Cosmos and Ginger, the 2 adopted dogs who lived for 15 and 16 years respectively. Scott loved bad horror movies, Alien, Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings and of course Judge Judy. If you asked him what he wanted from the market, his staple response was “Cookies, Ice Cream and Toy Soldiers”. If you asked how he felt, he would reply “with my fingers”.

The only movie that made Scott cry was when Spock passed in Star Trek II, Wrath of Khan. Scott’s reputation among the nurses at Overlook Hospital was stellar. He was not only a wonderful and compassionate nurse, but he was a joy to work with as a colleague and friend. Scott had many “work wives” as they all loved him deeply and without question.

The last chapter of Scott’s life began in 2019. Scott and Magdy (and the dogs) moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Life was simple, Friday night at Hunter’s and dinner with “the boys”, pool parties, Netflix, Disney +, movie nights with the Dawg Pound, etc.

Scott and Magdy were formally married on April 20, 2019 during a small ceremony in their backyard. The big formal White Wedding was ruined by Covid, as was their 3-week honeymoon in Europe. During Covid, days were spent in the pool and evenings spent cooking up a storm (a life long passion of Scott’s) and then relaxing in front of the TV with the dogs.

Scott and Magdy, along with their roommate, Joe, began to cook for Meals with Meaning in the summer of 2021. Once a month, they prepared a meal for 100+ who were without food or shelter. This became a blessing and a way for Scott to continue his lifelong mission of caring for others, despite his knee and back pain. Meals with Meaning offered Scott the ability to give even though his physical ability to do so had been hampered.

Scott was diagnosed with liver cancer in March of 2022, which was compounded by a diagnosis of severe cirrhosis of the liver. Scott and Magdy were able to take their “honeymoon” in August of 2022, a 3 week jaunt through England, France, Germany and the Netherlands, accompanied by their friend Art, and on his scooter, Scooby enjoyed a miraculous trip.

Scott’s liver eventually gave out in the late part of February and early part of March, 2023. He died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of March 6. His legacy will always be of love, courage and caring. He is deeply mourned by all who knew him.

Surviving him are his loving husband, Magdy, his immediate family to include his sisters Sheree and Nancy, his brothers, Steve, Lou and Barry, and their spouses, countless nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and his dogs, Clyde, Spanky and Coco. Aside from his immediate family are the family he chose, Joseph, Art, Oscar, Jonny, The Dawg Pound and the Friday Night Hunters/Dinner crew.

For those wishing to send flowers, please send directly to the church to arrive by Thursday, March 16, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Meals with Meaning, care of St. Gregory’s Church in Boca Raton.
Click the below link to attend the virtual memorial mass.
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church | Boca Raton FL | Facebook
www.stgregorysepiscopal.org