Robert Ansley Nelson, 80, of Stow, formerly of Concord, died peacefully at Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 with his wife and son at his side. For 46 years, he was the cherished husband of Sarah (Kane) "Sally" Nelson. He was born in Concord on June 25, 1937 to the late Albert and Gladys (Dunham) Nelson. He grew up in Stow, and later received a bachelor's degree from Fitchburg State University, and completed a master's degree from Framingham State University. A devoted educator specializing in English Language Arts, Mr. Nelson began his career teaching all ages at East Hampton, CT Public Schools. In 1969, he joined the staff at Lexington High School, where he taught English for nearly three decades. Upon his retirement, he worked at Boston University in the Teacher Literacy program for a decade. He demonstrated a caring commitment to supporting fellow educators by his service on the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts and the Edith Stewart Chase Foundation, which raises money for retired indigent teachers. Mr. Nelson was a longtime, active member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Concord where he served on the Social Actions Committee, and, along with Sally, enjoyed volunteering for the church's annual Antiques Fair. He was instrumental in establishing and organizing the monthly retired Men's group luncheons and arranged for several local keynote speakers to appear. He designed and oversaw the construction of his former home on Silver Hill Road in Concord, where he happily lived for 46 years. He was a passionate gardener and horticulturist, dedicating much of his time to the proper upkeep of the gardens on his Concord property. Sailing brought him immense joy, especially his adventures on the "Victory Chimes" boat in Camden, Maine. His two nephews, Dave and Ken, recall fond memories of sailing with their uncle on Lake Boon in Stow. He will also be remembered as a dog lover and a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan. During his life, he enjoyed trips to the Maine coast and throughout Europe. He had a profound affection for music and was a great patron of Boston Symphony Orchestra and often travelled with Sally to Tanglewood or to Opera weekends in New York City. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Christian Peter Dunham Nelson and his wife Anita Ya Srun Nelson of Stewartstown, PA, two grandchildren, Jackson Ansley Srun Nelson and Coraline Ya Kane Nelson, and two nephews, David Mason of NH and Kenneth Mason of RI. He was the brother of the late Gordon and Barbara Nelson. Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Sunday, December 17th from 2 to 5 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. His memorial service will be held on Monday, December 18th at 2 pm in the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord Center, with a reception following. He will be buried during a private service at Glenwood Cemetery in Maynard. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Fitchburg State University, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or to Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742. Arrangements are under the care of the Dee Funeral Home of Concord.