LOWELL-Nelson W. Irving, Jr., 84, a resident of Lowell, former resident of Burlington, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Town & Country Nursing Center in Lowell. He was the beloved husband of Nancy J. (Glover) Irving to whom he was married for 44 years.

He was born in Charlestown on December 13, 1927, and was a son of the late Nelson W. Irving, Sr. and Eunice Irving.

Nelson proudly served his country as X-Ray Technician in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 39 years and 3 months as a locomotive engineer by first the Boston and Maine Railroad and then by Amtrak.

Nelson was a member of the Burlington American Legion Post 273

He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and he enjoyed traveling, especially to Dayton Beach, FL and Wells Beach, ME.

In addition to his wife, Nelson is survived by five sons, Steven Irving and his wife Pam of Idaho, Gary Irving and his wife Peggy of Merrimack, NH, Bruce Irving and his wife Patty of Chelmsford, Jay Viselli and his fiancé Janet Collins of Pittsfield, MA, and Glen Irving of Lowell; a daughter-in-law Michelle Irving of Woburn; 17 grandchildren, including Amy Conlin and Kelley Irving, 17 great grandchildren; a brother, Bob Irving and his wife Beverly of Deltona, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD on Friday from 4 until 8PM. His Graveside Service will be held on Saturday at 10 o’clock at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Bedford St., Burlington. PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.