On Saturday, December 20, 2025, the sun set on a man who lived a full and remarkable life. Carl Augustus Nelson Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, hard work, service, and devotion to those he held dear.

Carl is lovingly survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally Ann (Black) Nelson. Together they built a life rooted in commitment, perseverance, and deep affection. He was a devoted father to his son, Carl A. Nelson III, and daughter-in-law Annie Wu Nelson; his daughter Amy Martin and son-in-law Scott Martin; and his daughter Sally Ann Johnson and son-in-law Steve Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings, whom he loved deeply. He is survived by his last remaining sister, Jean Hope of Pawtucket, RI, along with many extended family members who were also dearly loved.

Carl was a proud and devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren: Christopher Nelson, Trevor Johnstun, Ian Nelson, Kaela Nelson-Munsey, Emmett Johnson, Audrey Morgan, Esther Johnson, and Eve Johnson. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Eleanor Nelson, Teagen Nelson, and Amelia Morgan, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Named after Swedish royalty, Carl was the firstborn of nine children, a role he carried throughout his life with quiet leadership and steady responsibility. On his seventeenth birthday, driven by patriotism and a deep sense of duty, he enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning active service when he turned eighteen. He was stationed on a Pacific island during World War II, including the period when the atomic bomb was dropped. Gifted with an extraordinary tenor voice, Carl proudly sang in the Navy choir—an experience he cherished for the rest of his life. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Machinist’s Mate Third Class and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Following his honorable discharge, Carl devoted himself to mastering his craft as a machine designer and tool-and-die maker. His skill, ingenuity, and determination defined his career. One of his proudest achievements was designing and building a machine for Texas Instruments that others had deemed impossible. This same entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Retek Industries in Mansfield, Massachusetts—a testament to his vision, work ethic, and belief in doing things right. Carl was a long-term resident of Mansfield, where he was a respected businessman and civic leader who took pride in contributing to his community.

Carl was a founding member of the Foxborough Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained an active member throughout his adult life, participating faithfully in both the Foxborough and Newport Wards.

Carl’s interests were as expansive as his talents. He loved working with his hands and found satisfaction in fishing, carpentry, real estate ventures, and problem-solving of all kinds—even owning and operating a gravel pit. Above all, Carl took great joy in helping others and sharing stories from his rich and adventurous life with anyone willing to listen.

Carl Augustus Nelson Jr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, skilled craftsman, proud veteran, and generous storyteller. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the work he built, and the many lives he touched.

Arrangements are with Family's Choice Cremation, 8 Schoolhouse Rd., Warren, RI 02885.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rhode Island SPCA (RISPCA) in Carl’s honor, reflecting his deep love and compassion for animals.