Nelson Roger Stevens, Jr.

Nelson Roger "Nellie" Stevens, Jr., 81, of Tremont Street, Rehoboth, died on Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Hospice in Providence, Rhode Island following a period of declining health since an accident in March. He was the husband of Claire J. (Lavallee) Stevens to whom he was married on September 6, 1952. Born in Derby, Connecticut on July 13, 1931, he was a son of the late Nelson R. Stevens, Sr. and Kathleen S. (Mitchell) Stevens. He resided in Connecticut until the age of 15 when he moved to Rehoboth during the Christmas season of 1945. He remained a Rehoboth resident for more than the past 65 years. He was a 1949 graduate of the former Dighton High School. Mr. Stevens was employed by Bliss Brothers Dairy for decades having first worked as a farmer until 1979 when he transferred to the dairy operations until his retirement in 2001. For more than 30 years, Mr. Stevens was a volunteer for the Rehoboth Fire Department. His favorite pastimes included puttering around his home and property and tending to his flowers and gardening. He especially enjoyed sharing books and movies with his wife, Claire. He and his wife enjoyed numerous trips; their favorites being an Alaskan cruise and touring England. In earlier years, Mr. Stevens enjoyed playing softball and was a member of bowling leagues. In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves four children: Nelson Robert "Bob" Stevens and his wife, Mary (Gaouette) Stevens of Rehoboth; Michael A. Stevens and his wife, Laura (Zambardi) Stevens of Attleboro; Leslie A. Dutra and her husband, John L. Dutra, of Dighton and Susan E. McCabe and her husband, Edward J. McCabe, of Bridgewater; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his siblings: Patricia Smith of Peterborough, New Hampshire; Kathleen Young of Portland, Maine; David Stevens in Florida; Elisabeth "Betsy" Berndt of Marlboro; B. Ellen Stevens in Florida and Maine; Judith Matchett in Arizona; N. Craig Stevens of Rehoboth and Peter Stevens of Rehoboth and many extended family members. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Friday, June 7, 2013 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the nationally historic "Colonel Obed Robinson Home", 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a local ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the nationally historic "Colonel Obed Robinson Home", 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with his brother-in-law, the Rev. James Young, officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Rehoboth. Children's room available during visitation and the funeral service. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced. For additional information or to send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA 02760. (508) 695-0200.