Gordon F. Carlson

Born April 27, 1929, in Jamestown, NY, he was the son of the late Elmer and Ruth Martinson Carlson. Gordon was the husband of Jeanette Gullotti Carlson whom he married Sept. 13, 1958, and the father of two sons, Gordy and Brad Carlson.

Gordon grew up and attended school in Celoron, NY and was a member of the first class to graduate from Southwestern High School after the merging of the Lakewood and Celoron schools.

He served in the US Army from 1951 through 1953 and was in the combat zone in Korea for several months. He obtained the rank of Sergeant.

He attended Jamestown Community College and graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Gordon’s first job out of college was as Assistant Controller and Office Manager of the Quality Markets Distribution Center. Several years later he accepted a position with the Jamestown Board of Education as Treasurer and after seven years became Business manager of the Bemus Point Central School District where he served for many years and retired in 1993.

Gordon enjoyed being a member of several tennis leagues and during his retirement years was active with golf, bowling and swimming at the Jamestown Boys and Girls Club.

Past memberships include the Jamestown Kiwanis Club, The Thule Lodge, the NY State School Business Officials Association, and he served as Commissioner on the City of Jamestown Parks and Recreation Commission, Celtics, and the YMCA. Current memberships include the Vikings, Ingjald Lodge #65 and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.

Active in the Boy Scouts of America as a young boy, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He continued being active in the Boy Scouts as an adult volunteer for many years where he served on numerous committees including the Commissioner’s staff and as a District Chairman. Also, as a high school student he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Gordon was a devoted family man. His sons remember him for his constant presence and unequivocal love throughout the many years; he always put their interests and needs above his own. The three shared countless hours together whether it was exploring new places, fishing, or simply talking and laughing.

Gordon and Jeanette shared many exciting travel adventures throughout the United States, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. He and Jeanette appreciated the friendship and love shown by their special friends known as the “Tennis Group” and in the retirement years as the “Manhattan Group.”

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his two sons Gordon F. Carlson Jr. (Rachel Cornell), and Bradley H. Carlson; his grandchildren Emily Anne Carlson (Leo Lee), and Steven Carlson; great-grandson LJ Lee; step grandchildren James (Sara) Cornell, Brian Cornell, and Katie Cornell; and many nieces, and nephews.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents, his sister Dorothy, his brothers-in-law Carl Cappa, William Gullotti, Alfred Gullotti, Herbert Gullotti, Dominic Gullotti, and Frank Gullotti, and sister-in-law Mary Prinzi.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, May 5 in Holy Apostles Parish, St. John Catholic Church, 270 Newton Ave. in Jamestown. The Rev. Paul Cygan will be celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4 in the Lind Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care for their exceptional care and compassion shown not only to Gordon but also to his family during his final days.

Memorials may be made to the Gordon F. and Jeanette J. Carlson Community Fund held at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindfuneralhome.com.