GLOUCESTER- Robert Allen Carlson, 85, of 11 Orchard Street, passed away at his home Friday, June 21, 2013. He was the former husband of the late Patricia A. (Ryan) Carlson.
Born in Gloucester on June 2, 1928, he was the son of the late Frederick Richard Carlson and Grace (McDonald) Carlson Thibodeau.
Robert graduated from Gloucester High School in 1946. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was ultimately promoted to the rank of Sargent in 1953.
Following his years in the service, he had a long career as a regional representative with New England Telephone Company and retired in 1990. He was a life member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, AMVETS Post #32 and Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892.
Bob was a home body and enjoyed sitting on his back porch listening to the Red Sox. He loved his dog of many years “Lucky.” He was proud of growing his Early Girl tomatoes and gardening. He had many friends who he enjoyed watching football games and buying raffle tickets with.
He is survived by his four children, Michael Carlson and his wife Christine, Beth and her husband Michael Horne, Christopher Carlson and his wife Andrea, and Tracey (Carlson) LeBrum; two stepchildren, Charles Martell and Pamela Martell; his grandchildren Cody and Leah Carlson, Heather and her husband Richard Fraelick and their son, Gunnar, Brian and Jenna Horne, Christopher Carlson and his fiancée, Alisha Foote, Caitlin Carlson and Ross Robert Carlson; his sister, Barbara Lacey; sister-in-law Margie Carlson and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sister, Grace Withsosky and brother, Frederick Carlson.
The family would like to thank his longtime neighbor and friend, Paul Ventimiglia, as well as Ida Foster and Chris Osier, for their loving care and dedication to Bob these last few months. They also extend sincere appreciation to Hospice of the North Shore.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 4 – 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Committal services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.