Nelson T. Cripps, age 78, of Brockton, died of complications from lung cancer June 13, 2011, at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. Born in Medford and raised in Randolph, he was the son of the late John A. and Helen G. (Tracy) Cripps of Canada. Nelson graduated from Stetson High School in Randolph in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 29, 1950. He was stationed at Parris Island, Camp Lejuene and Camp Pendleton and served in the Korean War, where he participated in operations against enemy forces in South and Central Korea. He was stationed at Brooklyn Naval Yard following his return from overseas and was honorably discharged Sept. 28, 1953, as a Technical Sergeant, Unit Supply Chief MOS 3019. He obtained Korean Service, United Nations Service, National Service and Good Conduct medals. Nelson married the late Rita E. (Hunt) Cripps of Sharon in 1954 and spent 47 wonderful years with her. He made a career as a supermarket manager, starting with First National Stores from 1947-1980, continuing on to Flanagans Supermarkets from 1981 until April 28, 2001, and retiring after a brief period doing inventory for Americas Food Basket in Dorchester in December 2001. Nelson loved using computers, spending time with old friends and giving advice. He is survived by his children, Linda Miranda of Brockton, Robin Cripps of Newton, Denise and Diane Cripps of Taunton, Nelson Tracy Cripps Jr. of Brockton, Wayne Cripps and his wife Lynda of Hanson and a special daughter Amanda Cripps of Brockton; his grandchildren, Michael and Jason Miranda, Bryan, Melissa, Andrew, Emily and Colin Cripps; and great-grandchildren, Mikey, Max, Cassandra and Jalin Miranda; a brother, John Smith of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Jeanne L. Barry and Joyce E. Carr. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday 5-8 p.m. in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte. 123), Brockton. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by a burial in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. A celebration of Nelsons life will follow at the Avon VFW from 1-4 p.m. Donations in Nelsons name may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, lungcancerresearchfoundation.org. For condolences and directions, www.conleyfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Patriot Ledger on June 14, 2011