Obituary of Richard A. Carlson

Richard A. Carlson, 77, of Jamestown, NY, passed away in his home on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, after battling COPD for many years. Richard, known to everyone as Rick, was born January 18, 1945, in Jamestown, NY, a son of Arthur H. Carlson and Clover Atkins Carlson Johnson. Prior to his retirement he served as owner/operator of Celtic Drywall for 35 years. Rick's work ethic, attention to detail, and skills as a drywall contractor made him popular among building contractors and homeowners alike. Before Celtic Drywall, he worked at Jamestown Veneer & Plywood, Watson's Manufacturing, Marlin Rockwell, Jamestown Construction, and Cummins Engine Company. Rick fought alcoholism throughout his adulthood. He conquered the disease in 1982 and enjoyed 40 years of sobriety. Rick valued the lessons and experiences he garnered throughout his participation and membership in Alcoholics Anonymous and would often share what he had learned with family and friends throughout his life. He and his wife were among the founders of the local chapter of ACOA, Adult Children of Alcoholics. Rick married Susan Jacobson on August 31, 1968. As lifelong residents of Jamestown, Rick and Sue could often be seen enjoying Vikings, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, and the former VFW. Rick's passions were numerous, including golf, horseshoes, and drum & bugle corps. He participated in what was once a rich tradition of drum corps in our area as a member of the Cornplanters of Warren, the Black Knights of Salamanca, and the Gypsy Brass of Jamestown. He could also be found at sporting and music events in support of his children and grandchildren during their high school and college years. In recent years he enjoyed weekly card games with close friends. In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by his two daughters, Melinda (Norman) Lydell and Andrea (Chad) Waddington of Jamestown, two sons, Richard (Liz) Carlson of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Kenneth (Colleen) Phanco of Jamestown; and eight grandchildren, Richard Alexander Carlson, Brayton Lydell, Cameron Lydell, Dylan Lydell, Jacob Carlson, Lucia Carlson, Greta Carlson, and Rosie Carlson; brother Robert Carlson of LaGrange, GA, and sister Franni Carlson of Jamestown, Besides his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his stepfather Wilfred Johnson, stepmother Nellie LaPlaca Carlson and two brothers Ralph and J. William Carlson. The funeral will be held at noon Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 am to noon, two hours prior to the service, Saturday in the funeral home Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Heart Association or Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.