Frederick Martin Brubaker
Frederick Martin Brubaker, lovingly known as Fred or Bru, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and achievement. For 60 years, he shared an enduring bond with his beloved wife, Sharon Carey Brubaker, together raising four children who were the heart of his life.
Born in Ashland, Ohio, to Donald and Margery Brubaker, Fred’s early years were rooted in the values of family and community. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a B.S. in Pharmacy and an M.B.A. It was there that he met Sharon Carey, his soulmate and partner in all things. They married in Ann Arbor and soon embarked on their life together in Evansville, Indiana, where Fred launched his distinguished career and began building his family.
Fred’s 30-year career with Mead Johnson, later Bristol Myers Squibb, was marked by dedication and impact. Beginning as a marketing intern, he rose to an executive role, playing a pivotal part in bringing innovative prescription drugs to market, improving countless lives. Equally meaningful to Fred were the relationships he forged, mentoring colleagues and fostering their professional growth with the same care he gave to all aspects of his life.
Alongside his professional achievements, Fred nurtured a vibrant 25-year family life in Evansville, where he and Sharon raised their four children: Mark, Kristin, Julie, and Matthew. In 1990, a new leadership role led Fred, Sharon, and Matthew to Princeton, New Jersey, where they created 25 more years of cherished memories. In 2016, drawn to be near Kristin, Julie, and Matthew, they relocated to Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where Fred continued to live with purpose and joy. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the wonderful Vi Care Center staff who loved Fred as much as he loved them.
Above all, Fred was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love for his family knew no bounds. He took immense pride in their endeavors, offering unwavering support and celebrating their every achievement and milestone. In preparation for his marriage and family life, he embraced the Catholic faith with profound conviction and the spiritual foundation of his character. A passionate golfer, Fred found delight in the game, playing stunning courses throughout the world with friends and family, where his infectious enthusiasm and competitive spirit shone. A loyal and proud Wolverine, he cheered passionately for the University of Michigan football team and championed future generations through a pharmacy scholarship for promising students in need.
Fred is survived by his cherished wife, Sharon; children Mark Brubaker (Orange County, CA), Kristin Poister and husband Paul (Denver, CO), Julie Brubaker (Littleton, CO), and Matthew Brubaker (Littleton, CO); sister Becky Blong (Florence, AZ); daughter-in-law Shelly Brubaker (Dublin, OH); brothers-in-law Bill Carey and wife Kathleen (Kensington, MD), Mike Carey and wife Jan (The Villages, FL), Jim Carey (Ann Arbor, Ml); and grandchildren Hank Brubaker (Hilliard, OH), Jack Brubaker (Orange County, CA), Anna Brubaker (San Diego, CA), Jonathan Poister (Denver, CO), and Abby Poister (Denver, CO); as well as many nieces and nephews. Their lives are richer for his love.
He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Tom Carey and Lee Blong.
In lieu of flowers, Fred’s family encourages you to honor his memory with a charitable contribution to a cause close to your heart or by performing an act of kindness, reflecting the generosity that defined his life.
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Eleanor Nelson
Eleanor Nelson passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in the early morning hours of May 31 at her home amongst her family and beautiful garden. She was born in 1927 in Perth Amboy. Her father died when she was 3 ½ and her mother raised her younger sister and her through the Great Depression with the help of family, friends and neighbors.
Her special talent for music led her to study at Trenton State Teachers College where, again with the help of her extended family of friends and neighbors, she was able to continue her studies and graduate with the top job offer at the time, at Valley Road School in Princeton. She was the first music teacher ever hired in the township.
She arrived in Princeton in 1949 and, along with her public school duties, quickly acquired a roster of private piano students. She was soon invited to join the Princeton Music Study Group who would meet at private homes of the members and perform music for each other. She recalled Professor Albert Einstein, also a member, performing a piece for violin and piano at one of these mini “concerts.”
She soon met and married Bob Nelson, a local Princeton boy who had just started his glass shop on Nassau Street, and they spent the next years starting their family of four girls, caring for her mother Rose (who lived with them for another 35 years), and renovating rental properties in the borough.
Her sister Lucille Carnevale and she founded The Fabric Shop on Chambers Street and when her daughter Nancy started attending the newly formed Stuart Country Day School which, at the time, needed help with extra-curricular offerings, she volunteered to teach a sewing class there.
Along the way, Eleanor became active in the Lioness Club and the Soroptomist Club, organizations who raised money for scholarships and supported local charities. She was a founding member, with her husband, of Alphorn Ski Association and traveled to Europe for over 25 trips to the Alps.
She started playing piano at various events at her beloved church, St. Paul’s, and eventually, as her daughters headed off to college, became a volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul and the Senior Care Ministry, now renamed Senior Care Services.
As her love of playing the piano reemerged, she found herself also sharing her gift with residents of Princeton’s elderly care centers. Songs from World War I were particularly appreciated and she slowly came up with the notes and melodies that she remembered from her youth, listening to the songs her uncles used to sing.
Besides volunteering, she loved gardening, baking and her Church along with her adoring family, which has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Eleanor’s positive attitude and enthusiasm for giving became quite infectious to all who grew to know her. When she felt sad about no longer being able to donate her time to help others and wondered about the reason for her purpose on this earth after 97 years, she was reminded of what an inspiration she was to so many.
Predeceased by her parents, Robert and Rose McCracken, her sister and brother-in-law Lucille and Tony Carnevale, and her husband of 58 years Robert A Nelson, she is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Marguerite (Jay) Sarson, Nancy (George) Barna, Roberta (Roy Fennimore) Nelson, and Kristin (AR) Willey. Grandchildren Jane, John, Kelly, Johanna, Samantha, Corban, Christine, Drew, Tyler, Rob and Katie, along with (19) cherished great-grandchildren, nephew and niece Gary Carnevale and April Domby, Ron Milazzo, Cindy Hill Santiago, and many cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers please consider donation to Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton or to St. Vincent DePaul Society.
A visitation is on Wednesday, June 4 at 9 a.m. before a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial will take place at the Princeton Cemetery following the funeral mass.