Phillip E. Nelson, 76
Was well-known breeder; U.S. veteran

WESTMINSTER - Phillip E. Nelson, 76, of Westminster, died Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, after a brief illness.

Phillip was born in Somerville on Oct. 31, 1931, the son of the late Alfred G. and Elsie M. (Morrow) Nelson. He attended the University of Vermont before entering the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and earned a Purple Heart Medal because of injuries sustained during combat. He attended Bentley College and worked as an accountant.

For the past 30 years, Phillip had co-owned and operated the Cedarshake Kennels in Westminster and was a well-known breeder and handler of show dogs. He was also former skier and jazz musician.

He leaves his sister, Ruth Betty Johnson of Fall River; four nephews; two step-daughters Kathleen Massey of New York and Susan Nicholson of New Jersey; and one stepson, James Nicholson, Jr. of Hopkinton. Phillip was the husband of the late Margaret Mary (Mullin) Nelson who died Dec. 19, 2003.

The Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes directed arrangements.