Lawrence G. Carlson
Lawrence G. “Larry” Carlson went to be with his Lord on (Sept. 28, 2025). He was born in Fredonia, NY. The son of Frank and Helen Carlson and a 1957 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School. After graduation he served his country in the US Navy Reserves. Larry also went to work for W.T. Grant and helped open the store at D&F Plaza. He then worked for Bates Furniture Store and became vice president of the company. After that Larry served the city of Jamestown as a firefighter, at Fire Station 4, for 30 years and retired as the station Lieutenant. In the archives of the Post Journal you can find many examples of his willingness and courage to help others in their toughest moments.
Larry loved his wife, Janice, for 64 years. From their first days of marriage they set out to have a life together that was filled with adventures. They traveled to Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and many other places. They spent many vacations and winters in Florida, where Larry competed and won golf and horseshoe tournaments. He was an avid golfer that scored two hole in ones. He loved his times spent with family and friends at the Odosagih campground. Larry and Janice loved to go camping and they often reflected on how many of their fondest memories were from their days traveling all over the North East with their pop-up camper. Anyone who knew Larry, would tell you that he and Janice were not the type to sit around.
Community was a major part of Larry’s life. He was a quiet man but he really enjoyed the company of friends and family. He was a pillar of the Stockton Community Church, serving as a deacon and trustee for over 50 years. No matter how bad the weather, he and his wife never failed to make it over the Stockton hill to worship the Lord with his friends and family. Whether it was live music or a strawberry social, he was there. Larry was a devoted member of the Morton Club and C/S/L Senior Citizens center. He also volunteered as the assistant chief of the Stockton Fire Department. Every year at the famous Cassadaga yard sale day he could be found haggling with his neighbors. Larry and his wife cherished passing out candy every Halloween and seeing the changes in costumes over the years.
Above all, Larry loved his wife and family deeply. He will be missed greatly by his wife, Janice, his son, Rev. Donald and daughter in law, Sharon; his daughter, Beth and son-in-law, Randy. His grandchildren: William (Laura) Warner, Christine (John) Palmer, and Kaitlyn (Jacob) McLallen; three great grandchildren; and several step grandchildren. Brother, Rich (Marge) Carlson; Brother in law, Warren Crandall; several nieces and nephews, and also his “adopted” daughter, Lynette. In addition to his parents, Larry has now been reunited in Heaven with his two brothers, Donald and Carlyle “Skip”, sister; Millie; and nephew, Clint Crandall. The family picnics and dinners will never quite be the same without his silly grandpa jokes.
In short, Larry Carlson was a good man that lived a very good life.
Memorials may be made to Stockton Community Church, Snyder Robinson Syndrome Foundation or charity of one’s choice.
Visitation Friday 4-7 pm at the Family Life Center of Stockton Community Church, 4554.