Francis Charles Neilson Obituary
Francis Charles Neilson, known as “Chuck” to friends, passed away very peacefully on October 3, 2017. He was born in Washington in 1925 to Harry Neilson and Mabel Sherman Neilson. It was in the Pacific Northwest that he spent his childhood until, on the very day he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he trained and served as a B17 tail-gunner for 35 missions with the 341st Squadron stationed in Foggia, Italy.
Honorably discharged in 1945 at 20, Chuck moved to the Los Angeles area where he began working for a Buick agency. It was during this time as a mechanic that his adventurous bride-to-be, Elsie, having just traveled cross-country from the East Coast, brought her car in to this competent and handsome mechanic. A first-date led to 64 years of marriage, each caring for the other with unending love and devotion.
In 1957 he and his young bride settled at the end of the Sante Fe Trail, in one of the first homes in Park El Monte, California. Together they raised two children, Sandy & Bob, and supported their many activities. As a family they enjoyed many road trips, experiencing the beauty of the National Parks and camping at beaches up and down the California coast. From these family outings for Bob & Sandy a life-long love of travel & the water was inspired.
Chuck enjoyed an extensive career in the auto business, owning a full service Chevron Station with an auto repair shop in Hacienda Heights and later working for the State of California, Consumer Affairs, in the Automotive Division. Anyone who knew him was aware of his great love of cars. At one point, interviewed by a family member, he named the year, color, make, model, purchase price, mechanical issues, fixes, and sale price of each of the approximate 40 cars he had bought and sold over the years!
Venturing through the States and traveling to other countries proved an active retirement for Chuck & Elsie. Dedicated to square dancing with the “Wheels & Chains” Chuck was additionally known for his quick fancy Jitterbug steps. He will be remembered for throwing down quite a few impressive moves at two of his granddaughters’ weddings (the last at age 90) as well as for his skills at the pool table. He loved nothing more than a good game of 8-ball with his son or any one of his grandkids.
During his 60 years in El Monte, Chuck was always ready to lend a helping-hand, be it with a neighbor’s taxes, a friend’s car search, or a stranger in need on the highway. He chaired the El Monte Beautification Commission, helping inspire various youth of El Monte in taking pride in their city. Chuck was somewhat of a community activist, often canvassing door to door to share information & get out the vote. He was proud to be part of the El Monte community.
Active in the American Legion Post 261 & the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218, Chuck truly enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Veterans. While proud but modest about his status as a World War II Vet, he was deeply moved to recently be included in the WWII Honor Flight program.
Preceded in passing by his parents, Harry & Mabel, and his brother Harry Jr., Chuck was survived by his wife, Elsie, as well as his son & daughter and their spouses: Bob (Bonnie) and Sandy (Keith) and niece, Julie, whom he was pleased to finally know. His 7 grandchildren: Lindsay, Alyssa (and Paul), Alex, Kirsten, Keena, Bridger, and Cooper and 6 great-grandchildren: Kaila, Peyton, Grey, Owen, Eva, and Reed made him proud and he cherished each minute shared.
Many heartfelt thanks go to neighbors & good friends who always watched out for the Neilson family. You know who you are. And, much love and gratitude to his very special “buddies" left behind.
The family shared in a private celebration of Chuck’s life immediately following his passing and while there is no formal service planned the Neilson Family has greatly appreciated all the friends who have reached out to visit with encouragement. Without you all, life would not have been so full for Chuck. About his life, he had noted with that mischievous grin of his: “It’s been a good ride.”
Please take a moment on Veteran’s Day to think about Chuck as you honor and thank all our beloved service men and women. He would have appreciated that.
