William H. "Bill" Carlson, a 46 year resident of Wakefield, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 9, 2009, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose. He was 77 years old.
Bill was born in Alpena, Michigan, on April 5, 1932. He grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, where he attended schools. He enlisted into the United States Navy on June 6, 1951 and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on June 6, 1955. Bill worked as a truck driver for Hood's Ice Cream Company for over 30 years and retired in 1987. He then became the custodian at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield where he worked for 10 years until his health forced him to retire. Bill enjoyed playing and was a member of the Crystal Cribbage Club and also enjoyed square dancing. He also spent much of his time volunteering at the Wakefield Senior Center. He was a member of the Wakefield American Legion Post # 63 and the Saugus V.F.W. Post.
Bill is the beloved husband of 53 years to Patricia I. (McKenna) Carlson. He is the devoted father of Kenneth W. Carlson of Marlboro, Timothy G. Carlson and his wife Christine of Melrose, Jack P. Carlson and his wife Julianne of Wakefield and Richard J. Carlson and his wife Michele of Wakefield. He is the loving grandfather of Denise, Michael, Scott, Joseph, Justine, Shana and Shawn. He is the beloved brother of Anna Rowden and Robert Carlson both of Burnby, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Bill's Funeral will be held on Friday, August 14, 2009, at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main Street, Wakefield/Melrose line, followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, August 13, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Bill's name to The Town of Wakefield World War II Memorial Fund, C/o Wakefield Town Hall, 1 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.