Dr. Clement A. Nelson

Dr. Clement “Clem” Nelson was born on December 27, 1936 in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the son of Reverend Ralph C. Nelson and Faye M. Nelson. Throughout his life, he called several places home, including Oakland, Nebraska; Cambridge, Minnesota; Wilmington, Delaware; and Quincy, Massachusetts.

Clem graduated from Quincy High School in 1955, where he was a member of the basketball team that competed in the schoolboy state tournament at Boston Garden. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.

In 1963, while working at the Harvard School of Public Health with Drs. Hunt and Radford, Clem participated in important early research examining the relationship between tobacco and radiation exposure. Their work identified increased exposure to alpha-particle radiation from Polonium-210 found in tobacco among smokers. The findings were published in the journal Science in 1964 and contributed to the growing body of scientific research examining the health risks associated with smoking.

Clem continued his education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 1968. He subsequently established a general dentistry practice in Marshfield, Massachusetts, where he cared for patients for more than 30 years. He was highly regarded and genuinely loved by his patients and the surrounding community.

In addition to his dental practice, Clem devoted 15 years to teaching part-time at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, serving as an Assistant Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry. He was a Life Member of the American Dental Association and a lifetime member of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine chapter of Gamma Gamma OKU, an honorary dental medicine association.

Outside his professional life, Clem enjoyed an active social life and maintained memberships at Marshfield Country Club, the Harvard Club of Boston, and Severance Lodge Club in Lovell, Maine. He enjoyed watching or participating in most sports, with a particular fondness for golf and baseball.

Upon retirement, Clem embraced a new chapter of life on his farm in Chatham, New Hampshire. There, he found great satisfaction in gardening, growing mushrooms, and raising beef cattle and pigs. He also treasured his time boating on Lake Kezar, near Severance Lodge Club, where he and Ellen maintained their summer home.

Clem and Ellen shared a love of travel and adventure, spending many winter months with friends in Tubac, Arizona, and Florida. Their friendships, travels, and shared experiences brought them many wonderful memories throughout the years.

Above all, Clem cherished his family and close friendships. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, particularly his grandchildren, with whom he treasured spending quality time. Being their “Papa” was one of his greatest joys, and the memories they shared will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Clem was predeceased by the love of his life, his beloved wife of 59 years, Ellen Farrell Nelson, and his cherished son, Todd Nelson.

He is survived by his sons, Erik Nelson and his wife, Kim, of Marshfield, and Scott Nelson of Scituate. He also leaves behind his five beloved grandchildren, Teddie and Katherine of Marshfield, Jacob and Aaron of Scituate, and Kyle Thompson, all of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

Services will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the MacDonald Funeral Home in Marshfield, with visiting hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and a Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon, concluding with a funeral procession to and interment in the Couch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The Parkinson's Foundation, online at: https://www.parkinson.org/

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com