Donald "Donnie" E. Nelson, 85, of Brockton passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Joanne Marie McKeown Nelson. Born on July 30, 1936, in Brockton, Donnie was the son of the late Lawrence M. and Marguerite (Palmer) Nelson. A lifelong resident of Brockton, he was a 1954 graduate of Brockton High School. After high school, Donnie joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. Upon returning from service, Donnie married and began his family with Joanne Marie, attended Northeastern University and worked for the state of Massachusetts as a Civil Engineer. For many years since, Donnie served as an office administrator for A & A Metro, Bill's Taxi. Donnie 'Duckie' Nelson valued and celebrated family, friends, community, and a strong work ethic. He has contributed to the lives of many with his humor, honor, and humanity. He was an avid golfer, and a valued contributor to Brockton youth baseball, but most significantly Donnie enjoyed sharing life and laughter with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, Joanne, Donnie is survived by his children Joanne (Jodie) Nelson-Holzman and her husband John Holzman, Carolee F. Salerno and her husband Mark, Douglas P. Nelson and his wife Susan and Nicole M. Nelson; his grandchildren Alexander Salerno, Donald E. Nelson, II and his wife Kristinka, Garrett Nelson, Valendina "Dina" Salerno, George Nelson, Marissa Rosenberg and her husband David, and Rylie Sarmento; his siblings Jean Kuehl, R. Michael Nelson and Peter Nelson; several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Donnie is predeceased by his grandson Craig T. Nelson, his grandmother Margaret Palmer, Aunt Eleanor Black, and siblings Lawrence M. Nelson, Carol Mackin, Margaret Picanzi and Joan Griffin. Visiting hours will be held in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St., (Rt.123) Brockton on Thursday, October 28th from 6-8pm followed by a funeral service at 8pm.