Fred Leal Nelson

Fred Leal Nelson, 57, of Cranston, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 after years of battling many illnesses. He was the son of Mary (Leal) Nelson of Cranston and the late Fred Eugene Dodge Nelson. Fred leaves behind his mother and his sister, Lori L. Nelson of Cranston, many extended family members, many lifelong friends and his "dog niece" Candy.

Fred established his nerdiness early. As a 1987 graduate of Cranston High School East, he was the recipient of that year's Electronics Book Award, formed a policy-making liaison board between the student body and school administration, and was co-founder and executive board member of the RI Atari Computer Enthusiasts, an educational and fraternal organization. Throughout the remainder of his 57 years, Fred would continue to rewatch and replay '80s movies and '80s music far more often than could be considered reasonable. Fred also enjoyed monitoring ham radio and public safety radio, and was a staunch supporter of all first responders. While attending Rhode Island College, Fred wrote front-page investigative exposés for the college newspaper, The Advisor.

Your may have met Fred working in a variety of roles: managing convenience retail stores, selling insurance products, working as a delivery courier, knocking on doors for the US Census, or even delivering newspapers. But Fred was perhaps proudest of his contribution to his hometown of Cranston, serving as a police dispatcher and reserve officer in the 1990's.

As Fred's weight blossomed over the years, seemingly so did his popularity. He earned the nickname "Big Fred" amongst his friends and colleagues. Fred was also known for his frank and unfiltered assessments, and most folks understood that it came from wanting the organizations to which he had so invested himself to be the very best that they could be.

Over the last 7 years, Fred almost single-handedly kept the Rhode Island medical community in business. To the many physicians and health professionals who treated Fred, he wanted you to know how much he appreciated your time and dedication.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation, Monday, July 6, from 10am until 12pm in the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, where his funeral service will begin at 12pm. Burial will be private at Swan Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fred's name to either the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.

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