'Ozzie and Harriet's' David Nelson dies

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by TeeVeeCloset

We all must pass on, as they say the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes.....I write all this with respect and perhaps some with Nelson humor....my avatar and signature hasn't changed since the day I put it up, one reason is I like it, the other being true....I live half a mile from Ridgefield Park, NJ...the town Ozzie Nelson called home.....it is a small town and wonderfully described in Ozzies' book published shortly before his death....he described an area that had dramatically changed when he visited in approx. early 1970...and I slightly dissagree and agree, (they call it "progress" I guess) but being a life long resident (age 48) believe it or not, there hasn't been much of a change....it is a town that proudly holds the record in the nation for the most consecutive 4th of July parades at over 110 years....it literally still has a Main street filled with local shops and restaurants, sadly the last historic one film movie house "The Rialto" finally had to close recently. Perhaps people in middle America would find these things not so odd or unique, but in the New York Metro area which is as diverse as most in America, a small town much like Mayberry or the town the show portrayed still does exsist and does have a real "Ozzie Nelson Drive" dedicated to their home town hero....I attended the dedication ceremony in the 90's where Ozzies brother, Gunner & Matthew also attended with a audience "crowd" of about 100 just milling about peacefully....Rest in Peace dear David Nelson as the last surviving member of "America's Favorite Family, The Nelsons"

Proudly Living Near "Ozzie Nelson Drive"

I envy you being there at the dedication ceremony...wished I had discovered show early than 1997 but sadly I didn't....I was a toddler and grade-schooler during most of it orig. run - and it must be cool living near a "landmark." And I know I've said it before but I'll say it again....THAT IS ONE KILLER AV! it. The best one on SO imho.

[TeeVeeCloset]

Originally Posted by OH Nuts!

I envy you being there at the dedication ceremony...wished I had discovered show early than 1997 but sadly I didn't....I was a toddler and grade-schooler during most of it orig. run - and it must be cool living near a "landmark." And I know I've said it before but I'll say it again....THAT IS ONE KILLER AV! it. The best one on SO imho.

You are extremely kind and I appreciate you taking the time to read my "close to home" thoughts and commenting on them for the real purpose of this thread....I recently visited the house that still stands today on Teaneck Road, in Ridgefield Park, NJ....the next door neighbor came out and I had about a half hour talk with her, Ozzie's House was recently sold and the owners had just got finished some major renovations, but it still retains its' original character, this is a town full of old time colonial homes....the neighbor told me that about 5 people still come around a year and take pictures of the house....how nice....the local library and school also have historical display areas to Ozzie as well.

[ILUVO&H]

Originally Posted by TeeVeeCloset

You are extremely kind and I appreciate you taking the time to read my "close to home" thoughts and commenting on them for the real purpose of this thread....I recently visited the house that still stands today on Teaneck Road, in Ridgefield Park, NJ....the next door neighbor came out and I had about a half hour talk with her, Ozzie's House was recently sold and the owners had just got finished some major renovations, but it still retains its' original character, this is a town full of old time colonial homes....the neighbor told me that about 5 people still come around a year and take pictures of the house....how nice....the local library and school also have historical display areas to Ozzie as well.

If I ever find my way there, I'd be taking pictures of me in front of the house, and me in front of the street sign.

That's great that there are still some fans knowledgeable enough in the Nelson family to even be able to find Ozzie's childhood home and dedicated enough make the pilgrimage to pay their respects to Ozzie.

Is the high school there in Ridgefield Park the same one that Ozzie attended?

I work dealing with college students and their college loans, and everytime someone calls in who attends Rutgers, I think of Ozzie.

[TeeVeeCloset]

Originally Posted by ILUVO&H

If I ever find my way there, I'd be taking pictures of me in front of the house, and me in front of the street sign.

That's great that there are still some fans knowledgeable enough in the Nelson family to even be able to find Ozzie's childhood home and dedicated enough make the pilgrimage to pay their respects to Ozzie.

Is the high school there in Ridgefield Park the same one that Ozzie attended?

I work dealing with college students and their college loans, and everytime someone calls in who attends Rutgers, I think of Ozzie.

Yes I believe the high school remains the same, as there are still some historical items on display re: athletics....As mentioned in Ozzies' autobiography he was quite the athlete through college. This is very important for you and any other reader considering a visit to Ozzie's original home...I wish I had the exact house number with me, but the book is not handy at this time....you being a big fan probably have his book, but he mentions that the Ridgefield Park house number was changed, he gives the old number and new number, so unless you follow Ozzie's instructions printed back in 1973, you could easily find yourself at the wrong house and not know it! I will try and follow up within a few weeks and write the correct address on Teaneck Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ.....BTW...one of the neighboring towns is simply called Ridgefield, then of course there is Palisades Park, not where the famous over 100 year old amusement park stood, that was in Cliffside Park! New Jersey it is wonderful, but confusing, but we can go to the "country" (sussex county), sking, hiking, gambling (Atlantic City), of course both New York football teams play here and we have at least 12 major malls, historic Cape May and yes "The Jersey Shore" and some famous housewives...lol....and something called NYC is minutes away!

[Goldilocks]

On the Screen Actor's Guild Awards last night, during the "In Memorium" segment, they honored David w/a quick clip from the show when he and Ricky were little!

[ILUVO&H]

Thanks for the info Goldi. Nice to know Dave was remembered.

Wish I had known, I would have watched just to seen that.

[ullmanndb]

I'm still in shock and depressed over losing Dave! I always wanted to meet him. Seemed like such a nice guy. Both he and his brother (and Dad and Mom, too) died too young!

[Goldilocks]

...with Tracy and Sam.

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by Goldilocks

...with Tracy and Sam.

That is a GREAT picture. Thanks Goldilocks!

[areal codel]

Ozzie Nelson lived from 1911 thru 1927, in the same house at 370 (later changed to 378) Teaneck Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ.

[Adamantium]

I saw the title of this thread and thought "He died again?"