Nelson Michael Joseph Peters Jr.

AUBURN – Nelson Michael Joseph Peters Jr. passed away peacefully on Feb. 13, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 17, 1944, in Lewiston, to Nelson M. J. Peters, Esq. and Wilma (McNally) Peters.

Nelson was a dedicated entrepreneur who pursued many ventures throughout his life. He worked as an insurance underwriter in the Boston area before owning several businesses in Sebago, including a restaurant, garage, and rental camps. He also developed multiple enterprises such as Solr Energy, Inc., Video Services Unlimited, N&N Corporation, the Marketplace Bingo Hall, and Sun World Tanning. Alongside his wife, Frankie, he co-owned The Formal Image Bridal Shop, which served the Lewiston-Auburn community for over 38 years.

A gifted orator, Nelson produced and starred in public service announcements for the Lewiston Police Department, earning recognition as the “Tipster” and receiving Letters of Commendation for his contributions. He attended Lewiston schools, Kents Hill Academy, and the University of Maine and was a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

While in high school, he excelled in public speaking, winning contests such as the Washington Medal Contest. At Kents Hill, he set a record in the 100-yard dash.

Nelson served his community in many capacities, including as a selectman in Sebago and a city councilor for Lewiston’s Ward 2. He was an active member of several organizations, including the LA Music Association, Friend’s Lodge, where he raised money and provided scholarships to many deserving children, the Elks, the Masons Tranquil Lodge, and the Kora Temple Shriners. He was a dedicated member of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and a past church council member.

His law enforcement career spanned many decades. After his graduation from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy he was employed as a police officer for the City of Lewiston and retired from that position. He then welcomed the opportunity to serve the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department. While with the Sheriff’s Department he held positions as a resource officer in high schools, worked in corrections, became a patrolman, and was later promoted to detective. Nelson ultimately served as Chief Deputy for the department before his final retirement from police work.

Nelson cherished his family above all else. He shared 47 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Francine “Frankie” Marquis Peters. He is survived by his children, Nelson M.J. Peters III and partner Barbara Cross of Auburn, and Thomas P. Peters III and wife Erin of Canton; grandchildren, Nelson M.J. Peters IV, Nathan Peters, Charlotte Peters, and Chase Peters; brothers Michael T. Peters (Dorothy) of Orlando, Fla., and Thomas P. Peters II, Esq. (Jeanne) of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews, including Michael, Michele, Matthew, William, Sarah, John Peters and Steve Robitaille.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sister-in-law, Claudette Robitaille.

Nelson was a good man. He dedicated his life to serving God, his family, friends, his community and his country. His physical presence will no longer be seen, however his memory will forever be in our thoughts and his never-ending love will always be felt in our hearts. May he rest in peace knowing he has touched countless people with a helping hand and made such a difference to so many lives.

May his memory be eternal.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at http://www.albert-burpee.com

Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday Feb. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass and interment will take place at a later date in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 253 Pine St., Lewiston, 782-7201.

Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable donation in Nelson’s memory to either the Shriners Children’s Hospital at http://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en or to Tunnel ofTowers at http://www.t2t.org