Robert D. Carlson

AYER: Robert D. “Bob” Carlson 95, of Ayer died peacefully, Friday, March 4, 2022 in the comfort of his own home, while being cared for by his family. Bob was born in Stillwater, New York, October 6, 1926, a son of Carl A. and Hazel I. (Sawtelle) Carlson and resided most of his life in Ayer. Bob’s greatest joy and accomplishment was his family whom he raised with his beloved wife of 66 years, Kathleen D. (Landry) Carlson, who died in 2012. For over 40 years Bob worked at Ford Parts Rebuilders (RMP) in Fitchburg, retiring in 1989. Prior to that he had worked as a truck driver at J.P. Sullivan Apple Company in Ayer. During WWII he served his country in the United States Navy. Bob entered the war at the young age of 17 years old and never got the chance to graduate high school until 1999 when he received an honorary diploma from Ayer High School. He was a member of the American Legion Post #139 in Ayer and had been active in the Ayer Boy Scout program for many years. He always enjoyed participating in Ayer-Shirley Regional School Districts Veteran’s Day program, where he talked with the students about his time in the war. He leaves behind his daughter, Diana Gendron and her husband Michael “Mickey” Gendron of Shirley; His Daughter-in-Law Margaret “Peggy” Carlson of Shirley; His godson Michael Luth and his wife Jennifer Luth of Groton. His five grandchildren Denise Carlson and Dena Smith of Maine; Kyle Bouchey, Justin Carlson, Megan Ritter of Fitchburg and eight great-grandchildren, Burton, Riley, Alexis, Logan, Kylen, George, Jaliyah and James. Bob was predeceased by his two sons, Mark S. Carlson of Shirley who died in 2021, and Dana Carlson of Shirley who died in 2003. He was the brother of the late Donald Carlson, William Carlson and Evelyn Carlson of Shirley. Bob spent most of his days tinkering around in his garage fixing anything that needed fixing including building a go-kart for his grandchildren. He was fanatical about American made cars and was willing to help anyone repair their vehicle as long as it was “Built Ford Tough”. He was an avid cribbage player and would dominate any opponent that was willing to play him, all while sharing his favorite war stories from WWII. Sunday’s were spent watching NASCAR and the weekdays he tapped into his softer side by watching his favorite soap operas with his honey. Bob’s favorite pastime was spent camping with his family around New England. As he got older and camping became more challenging, he would host his family’s annual “Cousinfest” camping excursion in his backyard. Mostly, he loved to spend quality time with his beautiful wife while they took day trips to the beach, particularly Pemaquid Point where they loved to visit the lighthouse and look over the ocean. A time of visitation for Bob and his son, Mark, will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 2-4 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rte 2A) Ayer. A time of prayer and reflection will be offered at 4 PM. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Robert D. Carlson

October 6, 1926 - March 4, 2022