Saratoga Springs, NY - Hugh Alan Nelson, 92, a veteran of World War II, an alumnus of Union College and a professor of English at Union for 35 years, died peacefully surrounded by family on June 3, 2016, in Saratoga Springs. Known as Alan, he was born on March 21, 1924, in Erie, Pa., the son of the late Hugh MacEwen and Martha Eckels Nelson. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1947, attaining the rank of Lt. (j.g.) and was assigned to the crew of the destroyer escort USS Coolbaugh. He received military training at Northwestern University Midshipmen's School (1944), the Naval Training Center, Miami, Fla. (1945), and Key West Sound School (1945).

Alan Nelson graduated from Union College in 1946 and received an M.A. (1948) and Ph.D (1958) in English from Northwestern University. At Union, he joined the faculty in 1954 and taught English literature and composition, attaining the rank of professor in 1962. At Union, he served as Associate Dean of Faculty from 1978 to 1983; in 1984 he founded the Writing Center, an academic center for the support of undergraduate writing skills, which he directed until his retirement in 1989.  He was a member and past board member of the National Council of Teachers of English, and a member and past Fellow of the New York State English Council.

Dr. Nelson leaves his beloved wife, Phyllis S. Nelson, whom he married in 1966; and a sister, Mary M. Nelson of Erie. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie S. Nelson; his son, Michael W. Beson; and brother, William E. Nelson. He also leaves daughters Peggy B. Seward (John) of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., and Mary B. Gibbons (Patrick) of Scotia, N.Y.; sons Hugh M. Nelson (Fiorella) of Ashburn, Va. and Peter A. Nelson (Melanie) of Exeter, N.H.; daughter-in-law Eleanor Beson of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; a niece, Judith Nelson of New York, N.Y.; a nephew, Thomas Nelson of Deer River, Minn.; thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Alan will be lovingly remembered as a gentle, compassionate and loyal husband, father and friend; as an admirer and careful teacher of good writing in whatever form; as a person who disdained "b.s." and obfuscation; and as an abiding lover of classical music. He found, most especially, great joy in the lives and talents of his many grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are private at the request of the family.

The family requests that donations be made to the St. Peter's ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205, in memory of Michael W. Beson; or to The Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.