Robert Charles Carlson

Robert “Bob” Charles Carlson, 89, passed away peacefully in Chandler, AZ on February 21. Born in Ossining, NY in 1936 to Charles and Elsie Carlson, Bob graduated from Ossining High School in 1954 before earning his degree in Economics from Union College in 1958, where he was a proud member of the football team and Phi Delta fraternity. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961, attending Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and achieving the rank of second lieutenant in the artillery.
Bob married Anne Prewitt of Briarcliff, NY in 1962, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than six decades. Together they made their home in Briarcliff and Chappaqua, NY, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community. Bob built a successful career as an executive with New York Telephone and AT&T from 1961 until 1987, when he transitioned to a second career in real estate, serving clients primarily in Chappaqua, NY until his retirement in 2011. In later years, Bob and Anne enjoyed their time in Chatham, MA and Sun Lakes, AZ.
A man of unwavering faith and service, Bob served as a trustee and elder at the Presbyterian Church in Mt. Kisco, NY, and as president of its Fellowship Hall Affordable Housing apartments for seniors. In Chatham, MA, he served as a deacon at the First Congregational Church. His commitment to others extended well beyond the church: he coached youth baseball and football, served as an Alumni Class Agent for Union College, was an active member of the American Legion, and volunteered as a caretaker at Liberty Commons Nursing Home in Chatham, MA and Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, AZ. His enthusiasm for connecting with others showed in countless ways—through frequent phone calls and letters to family and friends, his lifelong passion as a football and baseball fan, and his time singing in a two-man band called “Late Life Crisis.” Bob is survived by his beloved wife Anne; his children Suzanne, Betsy, David (Kim); and his six cherished grandchildren, Emily (Jack), Maddy, Jackson, Willem, Owen and Trevor. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, positivity, sense of humor, and enduring generosity.