LELAND — Nelson Zabransky, 82, of Leland, North Carolina and formerly of Little Ferry, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Wayne New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Saturday, March 18, 2024.
He was the devoted husband of Jacqueline Mary (Campbell), beloved father of Deborah Zabransky Houck (Chad Houck) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Nelson Zabransky, Jr. (Carla Corey Zabransky) of Morristown, New Jersey, and stepfather of Jeannette Izurieta, of Middletown, Delaware and Jessica Vega of Palm Springs, California. He also leaves behind several beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Nelson was predeceased by his parents, Eugene Zabransky and Helen (Krieja) Zabransky, his siblings Beverly (Zabransky) Jasek, Eugene Jr. and Wesley Zabransky and his first wife, Joann (Shervanick).
Nelson had a successful career in his family business of Wm. Zabransky, Jr., Inc. and had various real estate ventures. He was a life-long member of Plumbers Local Union #24. Nelson loved to explore the world and travel, he was an avid boater for years, and he loved to spend the summers in Lavallette, at the Jersey shore. When home, Nelson enjoyed watching tennis, his Lifetime movies and old westerns – often laughing as if it was the first time, no matter how many times he saw them prior. Nelson also loved to tend to his yard, home, garage and cars, and loved his dogs over the years, most recently his “little buddy” Tammy, his spunky mini dauchaund.
Thankful to modern medicine and oncological breakthroughs, Nelson was able to live a full life with many more years despite being struck with cancer on a few occasions in the later half of his life, and for this the family is very grateful.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 22, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. The family will receive visitors one hour prior. Burial will follow the service at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Those wishing to send flowers may send them to Andrews Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401. If donations are preferred, the family encourages donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Melanoma Research Foundation.
