Page created by: Alice Lima-Whitney

Nelson E. Lima,
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, 82, passed away on October 7, 2023, due to Parkinson’s Disease.

Nelson was born to the late Martin and Cresencia Lima, on December 27, 1940, in Perico, Cuba. As the youngest of eight children raised among fields of sugarcane, he developed an appreciation for the life-giving and practical nature of farm life and hunting. He graduated from La Esquela Normal, a teacher training school, in Cuba, where he met Neryda whom he would later marry. Nelson escaped from the Castro takeover of Cuba as a stowaway on a ship to Florida on December 27, 1962 (his 22nd birthday), and reunited with Neryda in Miami where they married in March 1963. They moved to Virginia in 1969 to open the first of nine Ranch House restaurants in the Washington, DC area. Eventually, Nelson and Neryda settled in Springfield, Virginia, where they raised four daughters: Marietta, Nancy, Alice, and Natalie.

In 1996, Nelson expanded his ventures to include Lima’s Farm, a produce company that brought Central American products to markets along the East Coast from Florida to New York City. Farming linked him to his past and allowed him to give others what had been given to him: the chance to learn and succeed. He was a mentor and friend to many seeking a better life in the United States. Spring and summer were filled with sowing, harvesting, and selling crops. He loved sharing the lessons he learned from all his endeavors with anyone willing to listen, especially with his grandchildren. He lived the words "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

Autumn was his favorite time of year as it signaled the start of the hunting season. His children lovingly remember piling into the station wagon with boxes of freshly made Ranch House pies for drives to scout hunting locations in the countryside. His enthusiasm for all things hunting was as boundless as his appreciation for the time he spent hunting with cherished friends.

Nelson’s love for family and friends was loud and limitless. He felt and helped carry the toils and troubles of his loved ones, pushed us to be better, and taught us to love each other, even in the hardest of times. He celebrated each happy moment with genuine joy. Together with Neryda, they were generous to a fault. They always lent a helping hand in a time of need. At their home, there was always a meal for a friend who may be stopping by or who needed time in a warm and loving environment. He loved with his entire heart.

He is survived by his wife, Neryda, and daughters, Marietta Koziatek, Nancy Beretz (Chuck), Alice Lima-Whitney, and Natalie Lima-Garcia (Jose). In addition to his children, he is survived by his 12 grandchildren Christian Koziatek (HanaKo), JohnPaul Koziatek (Haley), Alec Beretz, Cami Koziatek, Ethan Beretz, Kolbe Koziatek, Grant Beretz, Sebastian Beretz, Emma Whitney, Clara Whitney, Diego Garcia, and Santiago Garcia. He also is survived by four great-grandchildren: Jaxon Koziatek, Griffin Koziatek, Kai Koziatek, and Zoe Koziatek. Memories with his family and friends will be forever treasured.