Andy CloseRichard E. (Dick) Carlson, 86, of Clarendon, PA, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2020 at the Warren Manor with his daughter by his side.
Dick was born on May 20, 1934, in Warren PA, to the late Arthur and Iva (Gustafson) Carlson.
He was a 1952 graduate of Warren High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married his first wife, the late Shirley Helena (Olson) Carlson in November 1958 and they were together until the time of her passing in September 1974.
Together they had three children, son Jeffrey Carlson and wife Kellie of Warren PA, son Bradley Carlson of Warren, PA, and daughter Lynn Carlson Kaul and partner Paul Bureau of Wilton, NH. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, Jeanah Carlson; Dan, Nate, and Trevor Moore; and Ben and Mikayla Kaul. Dick is also survived by his brother Roland Carlson of Indiana and sister Nancy Lundahl of Jamestown, NY.
Dick married Eleanor “Ellie” (Anderson, Gebhart) on March 20, 1993, and they enjoyed many fun and wonderful years together until the time of her passing on July 22, 2014. He is also survived by Ellie’s two daughters, Debra Seastead and husband Barry, Warren PA, and Barbara DeSantis, Pleasanton, CA as well as her four grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Dick was employed for many years at the former National Forge. He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed golfing. He was a member of many organizations including the American Legion, and the Moose, Eagles, and Lakewood Rod and Gun clubs. He was a member of the Shriners and enjoyed driving his go-cart for the Zem Zem’s in countless parades.
If you knew Dick Carlson you knew how he loved to laugh, have a good time and tell a good story. He loved to go dancing on the weekends and was well known around town to be handed the microphone at any gathering and asked to sing “Elvira.” He had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh with his one-liners.
The family would also like to recognize Dick’s dear friend and companion Rita Ventura of Jamestown, NY with whom he spent many good times in his final years.
God bless you Dad. We hope you are dancing and singing again! We love you and will miss you so much!
A private family gathering will be held at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are under the direction of the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. Burial will be held at Westview Cemetery, Starbrick.
The family suggests donations be made in his honor to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W 8th Street, Erie PA 16505.
Please feel free to sign the guestbook on the Donald E Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. website, www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com and leave fond memories of Dick – he had many and we would love to hear stories and memories of our father.
