Mr. Harold L. Nelson

Harold Leonard Nelson died on April 10, 2026, at age 96. Born in Oneonta, N.Y., Harold earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Troy N.Y. in1951. He earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license in1958. Harold met his wife Joan “Jody” Nelson of 71 years through the RPI/Russell Sage College mountaineering club. They were married shortly after graduation and moved to Alaska where Harold began his professional career working for the Alaska Road Commission. He then served as 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force supporting a variety of civil engineering assignments at air bases in Texas, Greenland, and Minnesota. His commission and commitment in the Air Force was honorably completed in 1956. Harold spent several years designing precast concrete bridges throughout New York, establishing a strong foundation in the industry. His curiosity led him to the innovative work of Jean M. Muller (1925-2005), the renowned inventor of precast segmental construction in Paris. In the mid-1950s, Muller was designing the Shelton bridge in upstate New York. Harold, eager to deepen his understanding, visited the site to study these pioneering techniques. This formative experience sparked his lifelong pursuit of technological advances in engineering. In 1968, the Nelson family relocated to western Massachusetts (Pittsfield) where Harold joined the Unistress Corporation, as Vice President, General Manager, and lastly, as President. Harold’s expertise continued to grow in the 1970s expanding to the design and construction of parking garages and commercial buildings. A notable highlight of his career during this period was his involvement in the expansion of Yankee Stadium. Throughout the 1980’s, Harold’s projects grew in scale and complexity. He contributed to the design and construction of larger bridges and malls, as well as a post-tensioned rod structure for the North River Wastewater Management Project in Manhattan. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the new Unistress manufacturing facility. In 1989, Basil A. (Rick) Petricca was quoted as saying “Harold Nelson, almost single-handedly, has been the driving force and inspiration for the growth and success of Unistress.” Harold and Jody lived adjacent to the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Canoe Meadows in Pittsfield. Harold spent many hours walking and cross-country skiing on the trails. He particularly liked watching the beavers at work constructing dams and took a keen interest in the efforts to clean up the Housatonic River pollution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that impacted the sanctuary. Together, Harold and Jody traveled the world and enjoyed visiting many places around the globe. Harold and Jody were patrons of Tanglewood, and rarely missed an opportunity to hear the Boston Symphony. Harold is predeceased by his loving wife Jody, and leaves behind his sister Karla, daughters Jennifer and Kristie, and four grandchildren. Known as the quintessential business gentleman, Harold was unwavering in his principles and commitment to the field, consistently upholding the highest standards throughout his professional life. Funeral Notice: A service will be held for Harold at a later date.

Mr. Harold L. Nelson

April 14, 1929 - April 10, 2026