Obituary of Robert H. Carlson

It is with very heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our cherished Dad and husband Robert Harry "Bob" Carlson. Born on February 4, 1941 in Passaic, NJ, he left this world on July 10, 2024 with his family beside him. The eternal jokester got smiles and laughs from everyone who crossed his path including the nurses who assisted him. Bob was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served his country with honor. He graduated from Clifton High School and worked for State Farm Insurance Co. in the regional office in Wayne, NJ for more than three decades. He held various positions working swing shifts in data processing and supervisory positions in administrative services until his retirement in 1996. Following his time at State Farm, and some time spent in real estate, he went on to develop the online sales program at Sussex Honda. Bob moved to Vernon in Sussex County, New Jersey in 1971 where he raised his family. He was very involved with the lake association and played on the Cliffwood Lake men's softball team and volunteered with the swim team. He enjoyed card games, horseshoe pitches, and made many lifelong friendships with the neighbors in Cliffwood Lake. In 1995, Bob and his wife Kathie relocated to Lakeville, Pennsylvania to be close to Lake Wallenpaupack where he could be found boating and floating in the summer. He was also involved in the Cove Point community in Lakeville, serving as president of the association for some years. Bob worked hard and played hard and enjoyed traveling with his family domestically and internationally to England, France, and his parents' native Sweden. He and his wife enjoyed many road trips since retirement with wonderful stops on yearly trips to and from Florida and to many beautiful locations throughout the country. They also enjoyed attending many different Florida spring training baseball games along with visiting friends and spending time at state parks and beaches. An avid sports fan, he introduced his family to ice hockey, and they continue to enjoy watching and going to NJ Devils games together. Bob also cheered on the Big Blue NY Giants, NY Jets and the NY Mets. From coaching to being the biggest fan, he was always a fixture at soccer games, baseball and softball games, ski races, swim meets, and dance recitals to cheer his kids on in their many endeavors. A man so full of life will be incredibly missed by his family. He and his wife Kathleen (Latham) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in January 2024. He leaves behind his children Susan Jensen (Dean), Steven (Amy Franek) and Gary (Sara DeVore). He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Selma Maria Carlson and his sister Sonia DeMol. Although he did not suffer from cancer, it touched his family as it touches so many other families. Donations in his memory can be made to Stand Up 2 Cancer. https://standuptocancer.org/