Howard A. Carlson

AUBURN
Howard A. "Happy" Carlson, 67, passed away Wednesday, August 25 from a sudden illness after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome a month ago. He had family members at his side when he passed.
He leaves behind a daughter, Debra (Carlson) Ferrer and her husband Roland of Norfolk, VA. A son Steven Carlson and his long-time girlfriend, Amy DeLuca of Worcester; his former wife and best friend, MaryAnn (Gagne) Carlson of Auburn. Happy also leaves behind five grandchildren, Dr. Sheree (Perron) Bray and her husband Robert of Norfolk, VA, Heather (Freeman) Galas and her husband Jeremy of Richmond, VA, U.S. Army Private Christopher T. Carlson of Royalston, Trenton M. Carlson of Worcester and Jadalaine C. Ferrer of Norfolk, VA (known as his shadow) and a great grandson, Robert Bray, Jr. of Norfolk,VA. His sister, Norma Weaver and her husband Bucky of South Carolina as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles are also left behind. He is predeceased by his mother, Irene (Tarkianinen-Carlson) Berg, his father Howard Carlson and his son, Robert "Bobby" Carlson.
He was born in Worcester and graduated from South High School Class of 1960. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and earned the honor of Eagle Scout before serving four year in the U.S. Navy as a medic. He was employed by R.I. Textile as a truck driver and he loved his job and all the people he came in contact with. He previously worked for Norton Co. for 15 years. He played baseball throughout his life going as far as trying out for the Red Sox. He enjoyed the sports world especially going to Nascar races with his friends. He was very active in the sport of Billiards and won many trophies and ran leagues. Hap had many friends whom he loved, inspired and mentored. He loved speaking and hopes his messages are instilled, practiced and passed on to others. Most of all he enjoyed the time spent with his family. Much of that time was spent at beaches up and down the east coast.
He was an active council member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and also a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post %23435.
The Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 30 at 10 AM in Emanuel Lutheran Church, 200 Greenwood St., Worcester. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Visiting Hours are Sunday, August 29, from 2 to 5 PM in LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St. Worcester.
The Family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at UMASS Memorial Medical Center-University Campus 7th and 8th floors for their care of Happy. Please omit flowers, memorial donations may be made to MA/RI Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 No. Main St., Suite 104, Natick, 01760 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, 01701. To place an on-line condolence, please visit. www.lindquistlundin.com