David Carlson

David G. Carlson, born in Kingston, NY on April 13, 1950, to David and Sally Carlson, died suddenly at home on Monday, November 21, 2022.  He was 72.  Raised in Woodstock, NY, David attended Onteora High School and graduated from Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT in 1968. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1969, serving 4 years on a nuclear submarine; the USS Thomas Edison, QM Class “A” School, achieving rank QM3 (SS).  Honorably Discharged in 1973, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Polaris Patrol Pin, and Good Conduct Award (First).  After separation from the military David travelled cross country and settled for several years in Oakland CA where he worked in the crafting of lenses; grinding & polishing for high-powered telescopes. In the late 1970’s when he returned to the Hudson Valley, he continued employment in precision lens work for a local company Model Optics. In his pre-retirement years, he was a woodworker and worked locally in custom cabinet making and wood moldings with private contractors.

David was a history enthusiast and a voracious reader, deeply invested in World War II history, particularly in war ships and fighter planes of that era.  He became a licensed pilot of small aircraft and was instrument-trained.  He was also an avid hiker and camper and knew the names (and most trails) of every hill and mountain in the Catskills. David was a skilled guitarist, enjoyed painting and sketching, played chess well and was accomplished in many snow and water sports.  Dave loved and understood astronomy, math, and music, and was always down for dinner and a good movie.  David was brilliant and kind with an infectious sense of humor, always ready to help with anything one needed.  Words will fail us all to express how much he will be missed by his family and many friends both near and far.  

David is survived by his sisters Barbara Carlson of Austin, TX; Elizabeth Carlson of Narberth, Wales; Dinah Carlson Neals of Saugerties, NY; his niece Taylor Neals, nephews Cameron Masters and Colton Neals, his first cousin John Carlson and wife Lori, their daughter Brittany (BC) and her husband Mark, of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Los Angeles, CA, respectively. David is predeceased by his much beloved younger brother Robert Carlson, who died in 2014.  A celebration of David’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Saugerties Library in David’s name.

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