Harry E. Carlson Jr.

Harry E. Carlson Jr. 83, formerly of Hawthorne, NY passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Carlson, his daughter, Kim Carlson of Greensboro MD, son Glenn Carlson & daughter in law Denise Carlson of Richmond Hill GA, son Scott Carlson of Yonkers, NY.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great - grandchildren. A native of Bedford Hills, NY, he enlisted in the United States Navy one week after his seventeenth birthday to serve his country during the Korean War.  He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa during his entire 4 year enlistment.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupational Service Medal with European Clasp, China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Navy “E” Award: Good Conduct Medal and Korean Service Medal. After returning home from his military service, he began a 39 year career with Con Edison Power Company serving in New York City and Westchester County, NY.  He started as a ground hand in electrical distribution and transferred to towers. He enjoyed the challenge of working 400 feet in the air and always said it was a great view. After working on towers he transferred to a line gang in Eastview. After many years of service, he was promoted to High Voltage Trouble Man assigned to Mt. Kisco where he finished his career. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Chidester) Carlson in Pleasantville, NY on September 12, 1956.  They settled in Hawthorne, NY where they raised their family and resided for 54 years before moving to Richmond Hill, GA. While living in Hawthorne, he wanted to serve his community and joined the Hawthorne Volunteer Fire Department.  He enjoyed 18 years of service leaving in1982.  He was promoted up through the ranks becoming the Fire Chief in1979. He will always be remembered for his leadership and commitment to the men of his department. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate of procuring the best training and equipment for the department. He was instrumental in getting Self Contained Breathing Apparatus which met NFPA standards on all fire apparatus out of concern for the safety of his men. He was a role model and mentor to many young firefighters during his tenure with the department. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Hawthorne Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, April 29 at the Kensico Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association POB# 96011, Washington D.C. 20090.

HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404