Obituary for Richard 'Dick' George Carlson

[Editor's Note: Barile Family Funeral Home provided the following information.]

Richard "Dick" George Carlson, 89, of Stoneham passed away peacefully on May 26.

Richard was born on July 13, 1923 in Fitchburg, the son of George and Violet Carlson. He graduated from Abington High School where he met his sweetheart Betty Marilyn Fowler whom he married on June 21, 1944.

In 1944, Richard proudly began serving his country in the US Navy. He was a naval pilot in World War II (on the USS Bennington in the South Pacific), the Korean War and Naval Reserve earning the rank of Lt. Commander. While still a "Weekend Warrior " pilot in the Naval Reserves, Richard accepted a position with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an En Route Air Traffic Controller and then as an Airway Flight Inspector. Richard’s passion for flying never left him and he was fortunate to fly until his retirement in 1980. Richard, Betty, and the children moved several times during his Naval career until they made their permanent home in Stoneham.

His passion for fishing flourished after retirement and lasted for the remainder of his life. Richard shared joy and laughter with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as he recounted numerous stories of flying and fishing. Richard and Betty faithfully served as members of the Church of the Open Bible. Their lives were blessed by their connection to the many sisters and brothers in Christ from the Church of the Open Bible.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty M. Carlson and his daughter Sherilynn Carlson. He is survived by his son Richard G. Carlson Jr. and his wife Pegge of Londonderry N.H., his son Douglas P. Carlson and his wife Lorraine of Stoneham, his daughter Deborah J. Carlson and her partner Debora M. Ortega of Portland Oregon and his daughter Joyce L. Ellsmore and her husband Keith of Gorham Maine, his grandchildren Kathleen (Kara), Richard, Shawn, Krysta, Jaclyn, Melanie, Leanne, Christine, Kara, and 8 great-grandchildren.

At his request, a private graveside service with Military Honors was held at Mt. Vernon Cemetery on Thursday, May 30 at 11 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Richard's memory to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611 or a charity of one's choice.