Memorial Services Set For Westfield's 'Hero' Principal

WESTFIELD, NJ - The memorial services for Westfield High School Principal Dr. Derrick Nelson have been released by the school district. Nelson died Sunday after undergoing a medical procedure to donate bone marrow to an ill teenager overseas, lapsed into a coma and died, according to his family.

According to school officials the service schedule is as follows:

Viewing - Monday, April 15
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Viewing - Tuesday, April 16
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Funeral Service - Tuesday, April 16
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All services will be held at St. John’s Baptist Church located at 2387 Morse Avenue, Scotch Plains.

Praise for Nelson after his passing came quickly to social media as mourners who knew the educator and veteran shared tributes. His life and passing did not go unnoticed by public officials either as New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy posted his thoughts to social media.

"Westfield High Principal Dr. Derrick Nelson – an educator and 20-year Army reservist – embodied all that makes New Jersey great. His final act was one of selflessness," Murphy wrote. "Our deepest condolences to his family. We mourn with the entire Westfield community.

Assembly Republican Leader, and Westfield resident, Jon Bramnick issued a statement on the passing Nelson as well.

“He died helping others just as he had lived his whole life," Bramnick said. "He will always be remembered as a hero. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, who shared her own thoughts earlier in the week commented with her approval of Nelson being recognized beyond Westfield's borders.

"So glad to see that Dr. Nelson’s impact on our community is being recognized across the state and the country," Brindle wrote. "May his life inspire others to put 'service above self.'"

Beyond the scheduled services there is also a petition to rename Westfield High School in Nelson's honor.

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