Richard 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.
Dick was a wonderful Grandfather to the 4 of us when he married our Grandmother he immediately took us in and loved us as his own grandchildren…. From our graduation of high school to colleges and our weddings he was always there…I will always think of him every time I hear Elvira….. I will love and miss him forever ❤️
Thank You For Your Love!!!
We are sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Dick will be missed. He certainly knew how to have fun. I’m going to miss our conversations and his wonderful smile and laugh. So sorry for your loss. Prayers ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. I know this has been hard on Jeanah loosing her great granny and now her Grandpa. I will never forget Dick singing Elvira at Lisa and Aaron’s reception. May you rest in peace my friend.
Sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a fun person to spend time with, always had a laugh to share.
We are so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss, Lynn.
Jeff, Lynn and families ~ my deepest sympathies with the passing of your dad. Please know you do not grieve alone. Thank you for entrusting us to care and love your dad at the Warren Manor. It was a honor and privilege. It is not easy watching your parent in the aging process with health issues. Please know that all of you were wonderful advocates for him. We will miss his smile, his laugh, his love of music. My father in law Don / Beck Labesky has fond memories of your dad from the national forge. The pic and obituary is wonderful ! I will continue to have each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Passing on my sympathy to Dick’s family and Rita. I have fond memories of times we spent together.
Sharing your sympathy in the loss of your father. Dick was a wonderful brother-in-law and husband to my sister Ellie. We had a lot of laughs together when ever I visited them in PA. The fourth of July parade was one of my favorite events and looked forward to seeing him and Barry participate in the Zem-Zem cars. He definitely lead a life to celebrate and will be sadly missed. Love and comfort to your family!
Josie Roosevelt
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. I first met him at the Candlelight and he had that smile and a hello every time you met. Later I would see him and Eleanor at the Legion. They both where always smiling and having a good time. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed by all.
Memories of Dick at the National Forge. He always was so pleasant to be around and he always had a smile. Nice guy and sorry for your loss.