Jamestown’s William Larson still painting at 100 years of age
Jamestown’s William Larson still painting at 100 years of age
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William K. Larson of Jamestown will begin his 100th trip around the sun starting today.
And by all accounts, the 100-year-old has lived a long, good, full life.
According to his daughter, Sandra Calesina, Larson was born Sept. 24, 1926, in Jamestown, to Oscar and Signe Larson. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1944 and also designed the school’s 1944 yearbook cover. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation and served from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS San Jacinto, Calalesina said in an email to The Post-Journal.
Calalesina said that after her father's time in the U.S. Navy, he attended college and married her mother. He then attended Pratt Institute on the GI Bill and graduated in advertising design in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Quist, in June 1949.
"They recently celebrated their 77th anniversary," she added. "He and Terry Jonethis then started the Jonethis/Larson Advertising in 1951, which later became William K. Larson Advertising. After 40 years of business, he retired in 1991 and began painting."
Calalesina said what started as a hobby for her father turned into a passion – something he truly excelled at.
"What started as a hobby became a true passion. He has painted more than 500 watercolors, participated in many art shows, and had one chosen for Artscapes in Jamestown," she said. "He still paints to this day."
Additionally, Calalesina added that her father still likes to travel and connect with his military roots.
"He traveled on the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight to Washington, DC, in 2024, as the only World War II veteran on the flight. He was also honored at a Buffalo Sabers game as a 99-year-old World War II veteran in 2025," she said.
Furthermore, according to Calalesina, her father has spent his fair share of time volunteering locally for various non-profit organizations and other agencies, including Epworth Christ United Methodist Church (which merged with Christ First United Methodist Church), singing in the choir for 72 years; the Jamestown Rotary Club (67 years), YMCA/Camp Onyahsa, Harmony Express Barbershop, Ingjald Viking Lodge, and the Lakewood American Legion.
Larson's family includes Sandra Calalesina (Thomas), Marsha Forsberg (Scott), Richard Larson (Dawn), and Karen Coccagnia (Andrew). Additional family members include 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren