REKOS, NELSON FRANCIS

REKOS, NELSON FRANCIS, of North Wildwood, NJ died peacefully on October 12, 2013. He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University obtaining degrees in mechanical engineering. He proudly served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII, in Europe. After the war, he worked at the Philadelphia Ship Yards, later moving to Washington DC for civil service assignments with the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and finally NASA. A highlight of his career at NASA was the opportunity to work with astronaut Neil Armstrong following Armstrong’s walk on the moon. Throughout his career and retirement years, volunteering was a priority. He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), RSVP in Cape May County, Cape May County Sheriff’s Department as McGruff the Crime Dog, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) in Cape May, 15th Street Volunteer Fireman, North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Police, as well as serving as an officer in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Nelson was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was generous with his time, his talent and his treasure. He was a patriarch who instilled in all a sense of faith, the importance of family, a strong work ethic, and the value of education. He is survived by Margery Clancy, loving wife of 6 years, and his sister Christine Fernandez of West Palm Beach, Florida, and his children: Joyce Anne Bounds, Nancy Rekos Firestone, Nelson Rekos, Jr. (Maxine), Dan Rekos, Donald Rekos (d), Teresa Purdon (Michael). He was also blessed with 13 grandchildren: Jennifer (Louis) Perez, Karen Rekos, Melissa (Stephen) Keith, Jason (Stephanie) Bounds, Mark (Lisa) Rekos, Douglas (Tina) Firestone, Greg (Jennifer) Rekos, Dianna Rekos, Cynthia Rekos, Billy Purdon, Debbie Rekos, Maggie (Chris) Carroll, Donald Purdon and 13 great grandchildren: Justin Perez, Mason Rekos, Rebecca Bounds, Steven Keith, Elena Firestone, Jacob Rekos, Travis Keith, Tyler Perez, Sydney Firestone, Angelina Keith, James Bounds, Everett Rekos, Elin Grace Rekos. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Viola Bailey. Viewing will be held at the Ingersoll-Greenwood Funeral Home, 1201 Central Ave., N. Wildwood, NJ on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM and on Friday morning from 10 to 11:30am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon Friday at St. Ann Church, 2900 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ. Interment will be in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, Middle Township, NJ. The family would appreciate your prayers in his memory.