Nelson James Lombardi, age 71, of Jasper, Florida died Monday, June 18, 2012 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. Nelson was a native of Connecticut where he served 18 years as a police officer for the Gilford Police Department. After moving to Florida he continued his career in law enforcement serving as a deputy for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. He later went to work for Silver Springs in the public relations department. Nelson was a natural with people and made friends easily. He settled in Jasper and quickly made his mark on the community. He loved antiques and in his spare time enjoyed refinishing furniture.

Survivors include his wife, Dottie G. Lombardi, of Jasper, FL; two sons, Brian Lombardi, of Boynton Beach, FL and Mark Scaff, of Jasper, FL; two daughters, Christine Chaney, Spring Hill, FL. and Susan Lenhart, of Quaker City, OH; one sister, Susan Blaisedell, of Bar Harbor, Maine; 10 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 22, 2012 in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home.

Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Advent Christian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1176 Jasper, FL. 32052.