Reinold H. “Renny” Nelson

A lifelong resident of Chautauqua County, Renny was born January 21, 1938, in Jamestown, the only child of Arvid and Dagny Blixt Nelson.

A 1956 graduate of Jamestown High School, he continued his education at Jamestown Community College before attending the New York State Police Academy in Syracuse. Upon graduation, he began what would become a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.

Renny proudly served as a sworn member of the New York State Police for 37 years, retiring on December 30, 1998, as an Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Even in retirement, his commitment to public service remained strong. He served as Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Carroll and later spent 20 years as a Court Officer with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

Faith and community were central to Renny’s life. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as both a Church Council member and an usher.

Renny was deeply devoted to Freemasonry and gave more than 50 years of dedicated service to the fraternity. A member of Carroll Lodge No. 1147, F. & A.M., he served as both Master and Secretary of the Lodge, as well as Grand Lodge Staff Officer for the Chautauqua District. From 2000 to 2002, he served as Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York.

He joined the Valley of Jamestown, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in 1977, serving as Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection and later as Commander-in-Chief of the Valley. In 1993, he was coroneted a 33rd Degree Mason at the Supreme Council Session, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

His Masonic involvement also included service as Past High Priest of Western Sun Chapter No. 67 Royal Arch Masons; Past Illustrious Master of Dunkirk Council No. 25 Cryptic Masons; Past Commander of Dunkirk Commandery No. 40 Knights Templar; Past Sovereign of St. Mark’s Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine in Buffalo; Governor (2006) of Niagara Frontier York Rite College No. 77, where he received the York Rite Order of the Purple Cross in 2008; Past Sovereign Master of Conewango Council No. 243 Allied Masonic Degrees; Past Master of the Robert H. Jackson Lodge of Research; and Past Prior of Empire State Priory, Knights of the York Cross of Honour.

Above all, family meant everything to Renny. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also quietly gave back to his community as a 30-gallon blood donor, a reflection of his lifelong generosity and commitment to helping others.

He is survived by his children: Mark (Tammy) Nelson, Bill (Debbie) Nelson, Kristy (Steve) Adams, Tom (Dee) Nelson, and Karen (John) Davis; 17 grandchildren: Reinold Mark (Melissa) Adams, Matthew (Vanessa) Adams, Andrew (Jennifer) Nelson, Katie (Kevin) Darling, Kara (Chris) Densmore, Daniel Adams, Amanda Morgante, Brett Gilbert, Brian Davis, Justin (Chelsea) Nelson, Kelsey (Tailour) Terhune, Emily (Cortland) Knopp, Bethany (Jake) Sellstrom, Kyle (Madi) Nelson, Josh Nelson, Megan (Garret) Smith, and Bradley Nelson; and 24 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcia S. Nelson, who passed away on Jan. 20, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Frewsburg. Pastor Phillip Roushey will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday at Peterson Funeral Home in Frewsburg. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, the Chautauqua County Humane Society, or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care.

To leave a memory or words of condolence, please visit www.petersonfh.net.