Scott Anthony Nelson was born in Red Wing, Minnesota to parents Robert and Anita Nelson. Shortly after a tragic car accident that took his father when he was 6 years old, Scott and his two sisters Bobbie and Becky, their expecting mother and maternal grandparents, all moved to Bradenton, Florida for a new beginning.
Soon his baby brother Steve was born and the family reveled in the joy of this new sibling. Scott adapted to all of this easily, and made friends, remained very loyal to his family, especially his mother, and kept everyone light hearted with his corny humor and unending puns. He played sports as a kid and had a keen interest towards music at an early age, largely due to his father being a very successful musician. He was in a few bands in high school and even played with some of the original members of The Allman Brothers Band. He graduated from Manatee High School and followed his family to Gainesville for college.
It was here that he married a woman named Linda Boone and both of them graduated from the University of Florida deciding to reside in the Gainesville area to start their careers and family. They first had their son Jeff in 1975 and five years later had a daughter they named Katrina. He continued to play his guitar regularly and loved to be around and play music with his younger brother who was an accomplished drummer, band member, and occasional backup drummer for Tom Petty’s group which at that time was called The Epics and later became Mudcrutch.
Scott started off his work career with Nationwide Insurance company and ended working in real estate for the majority of his career as an appraiser who owned his business. He was a loyal and dedicated Gator football season ticket holder and a fan of all other sports that he often attended at the college. He was a very proud father who made sure his children had the best opportunities he could provide for them to enrich their lives and shape their values and independence. He was also a reliable support to the other members of his family when they were in need. Later in life he enjoyed the company of his girlfriend Pam and their walks, frequenting the beach and traveling all over to visit with family and friends.
He was a lover of life and enjoying it to the fullest. He had a heart of gold with a special fondness assigned to his beloved grandchildren.
He was always there for sound advice, a laugh, a song, a political or social discussion, a smile. He treasured good music and his friendships within the music community, jamming with friends, a guitarist and songwriter himself.
He put the Dad in dad jokes.
His light and energy left a positive and lasting impact on anyone he met. He was that person with whom you made a genuine connection and instant friend upon first meeting.
He was thoughtful and considerate, intelligent and funny, honest and down to earth, sincere and accepting; the kind of person you would be honored to call a father, grandfather or friend.
Suddenly and unexpectedly just after his 70th birthday, he passed away in Gainesville on December 28, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend in his final days.
This world lost a true gem but his legacy will live on in the memories, music and love shared with those around him. He is survived by sister Bobbie (Dennis) Damiano, son Jeff (Gretchen) Nelson, daughter Katrina (Fintan) Vargas and grandchildren Luke, Leo, Finn and Ana, nieces Christiana, Sheryl, Shannon, Regina, Shelley and Juliana and nephews Austin and Victor.
He is also survived by Pam Descoteaux and her family with whom he grew to love including her brother Dan Osborne and his family, children Greg and George Griffith, granddaughter Samantha Griffith (Josh) and great grandchildren Isabella and Isiaha.
A memorial service will be held at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central 4100 NW 39th Ave in Gainesville on Friday January 15th, 2021 starting at 1pm for in person and at 2pm for virtual attendance.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Surfrider Foundation (surfrider.org) or plant a memorial tree (alivingtribute.org).
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long time friend from bayshore gardens in b-town. scott sold his 1st house to me
here in gainesville when he worked as a realter. talk with him at gator games and meetings around town.good friend very likabke person. rest in peace
mark
My heart goes out to Scott’s family and Pam, his beloved partner. I have enjoyed reconnecting with Scott, a MHS co-ed, on FB over the past several years and will miss his humor, his kindness and his passion in sharing what he believed. It was a sad day to see the post regarding his sudden passing.
As I was reading the obituary I couldn’t help but cry half way though, Scott was a truly genuine and great man. He has touched the lives of many including my family. And he will be truly missed. He always knew how to make others smile and laugh, always knew how to carry on a great conversation, and never failed to give you the best advice. We would talk about his love for music and The Beatles and he would always encourage me to keep painting. He cared deeply about others and always had their best interest at heart, the kind of person that would always be one call away and ready to give you the shirt off of their back. Scott was very kind and never hesitated to help others in a time of need, from the moment my family met him and his wonderful daughter ( Katrina ), and her husband ( Fintan ) they all became instant family to us. Scott will be loved and missed dearly. I send my condolences to all of his family and friends and to my Aunt Pam who was always by his side.
fortunately his obituary just State the facts Scott was a great man and his life was cut so short he was a kind man a gentleman a loving man and I know that he will truly truly be missed my prayers are with the family
Scott was a person that you could easily like and respect . He was genuine, sincere and very kind. Bud and I truly valued his friendship.
A great friend I will never forget. Many of my good memories include times with you. Peace to you and May we meet again on the other side.
Farewell Scott. Tell your brother Steve in heaven that I said hello. Pam, I don’t really know you, but can’t imagine the disruption you are going thru. I send you prayers to help you thru this difficult time. Take care and bless you
Living life the the fullest. That is the best way I can describe Scott in one statement. The 60s in Bayshore Gardens Bradenton Fl. were the best to times. From walking with Scott down the center of Cortez Plaza to stop by his grandfather’s Carmel corn popcorn shop to charging us 25 cents to ride to Manatee high school in his VW van about about 4 miles. Ah Ha Ha Ha Ah Ha Ha Ha. Gas was only 25 cents a gallon back then. Always kept you laughing. You will be missed Scott but never forgotten and always remembered for the great times including “Mill Hopper ” and it’s beautiful ancient sink hole . We honor you Scott. RIP old friend. See you before you know it. .????????????
Scott was like an older brother to me throughout our time here as friends. He always had knowledge and wit and loved “giving bad people hell”.
I have know him since 1974/75 when STEVE introduced us. He named our first band POWERGLIDE and supported our every music step through old Desperado days. He would watch us rehearse and jam… and afterwards would kiddingly say “now play it again the RIGHT way”
We wrote a Florida folk song together and he researched the info. We talked about Bernie Leadon’s song he wrote for Gram Parson called My Man. We joked remembering the ‘70s when people would say “hey My Man what’s happening”
Today You are what’s Happening, my man.
Peace Love and Healing Vibes/Prayers to the Family and Pam
So often we hear the phrase he was a great guy when someone passes with Scott that just doesn’t seem like enough. He wasn’t just a great guy he was a phenomenal human being , Scott was truly caring he was humorous he was as laid back as they come. I remember the first day we met both shauney and I immediately felt like we knew him forever , I will miss our almost daily text or calls talking about sports , politics , the good old days and family , which was always so important to him. The lives of all of us including my sister Pam , whom he was joined at hip for the past decade and Scott’s wonderful daughter Katrina and all of his family will never be as full without him. You were a true brother Scott I’m so sorry we weren’t able to go on that blowout post COVID celebration vacation that we had planned. RIP
Scott will be missed by our family. I met Scott at his son’s, Jeff and our daughter’s wedding. Scott spent the evening with us before and after their wedding. What a thoughtful and caring person. Our twin grandsons loved being with Scott and Pan during their visits. We are so thankful we were able to spend time with Scott and Pam.
Our thought and prayers are with the family and our son-in-law Jeff, daughter Gretchen and grandsons Luke and Leo. Bud and Luann Winter
Our sincere condolences to family and friends of our Manatee High School Class of 1968 Alumnus
Manatee High Alumni Association
Bradenton, FL