Nelson Ralph Powers, age 79, passed away in his Concord home on January 22, 2012, lovingly supported in death as in life by his bride of nearly 52 years, Mary Lou (Shaughnessy) Powers, and their children. Born on April 12, 1932 in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of Nelson and Blanche (Gervais) Powers, Nelson grew up on the family farm, which instilled in him a lifelong love of Nature and a deep appreciation for Earth's bounty; he was also intensely proud of his French-Canadian heritage. Nelson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Henley. After graduating from Northeastern University, Nelson began his career in electrical engineering with the Andrew Alfred Company. It was during this time that he not only designed but also tuned the FM antenna arrays atop the Empire State Building! Nelson then worked in the field of microelectronics at GenRad in Bolton and West Concord for over 25 years. The many varied work experiences also served him well in his personal life, for he was often known as "The Man Who Could Fix Anything Electrical." The pillars of Nelson's life were family, faith, and community. After moving his young family to Concord in 1967, Nelson made it a point to dedicate himself to serving the town he loved so well. Over the years he was appointed a Warden for countless elections, volunteered at numerous Town Meetings and Caucuses, and served on the Town's Cable Commission. Nelson had great respect for Concord's rich history and was a long-time, very active member of the Concord Minute Men. Most recently, his love of service to his fellow townspeople led him to the Council on Aging, where he particularly relished driving the COA van. Nelson was also a devoted servant of the Lord at St. Bernard's Church. By far, family was what motivated, grounded, and sustained Nelson the most. With his beloved Mary Lou by his side, Nelson created a home life that fostered unconditional love and compassion as well as a healthy work ethic for their three children and ten grandchildren. They had a shared love of tennis, golf, traveling, and spending time with their many friends. Nelson also enjoyed the simple pleasures of tending his garden and taking long walks in the wildlife of nearby Great Meadows. Everything he engaged in and everyone he encountered, he did so with a cheerful disposition and selfless attitude; he will be sorely missed. Nelson was the loving father of Cynthia Scudder and her husband Glenn of East Bridgewater, Nelson R. Powers Jr. and his wife Maria of Concord, Shawn Powers and his wife Lisa of Franklin, and devoted grandfather of Alexander, Caitlyn, Jennifer and Matthew Scudder; Nelson R. III and Ainsleigh Powers; and Alyssa, Nicole, Samantha and Isabel Powers. He was also the brother of Noel Roger Powers of Maryland and John Patrick Powers of Maine, and brother-in-law to Philip Shaughnessy of Connecticut and the late Maurice Shaughnessy. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord where Fr. Murray will read the committal prayers and officers of the U. S. Navy will present military honors. Concord's town flag will be at half-staff on Thursday in recognition of Nelson's service to his country during the Korean Conflict. Visitation: Visiting hours at the Dee Funeral Home will be held on Wednesday, January 25th from 1 to 3 PM and 6 to 8 PM. Service: Funeral from the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center will be held on Thursday, January 26th at 9 AM followed by a funeral Mass in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Celebrant of the Mass will be the Rev. John A. Murray.