Graham Carlson

Graham B. Carlson, 84, of Portland, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Middlesex Hospital.
Graham was born on Nov. 21, 1927, in Middletown, to the late John Aaron and Florence (Strickland) Carlson.
Graham was a graduate of Portland High School, class of 1945. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1946 and served in the occupation of Japan until March 1947. In April 1947, he was hired by the Middletown Savings Bank, now Liberty Bank, in the mortgage department. He worked at the bank for over 43 years, retiring in December 1990 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. During his employment, he was active in both the state and national association of Savings Banks, serving as president of the auditors and comptrollers association of Connecticut and a member of the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks. He was an honors graduate of the National Saving Banks Officers School.
After retirement, Graham spent many memorable days at his cottage on Rogers Lake in Lyme where he loved to boat and fish. He also traveled extensively and spent numerous winters with Mary in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Locally, Graham was campaign chairman and president of the Portland United Way, as well as secretary and president of the Exchange Club where he was a member for over 50 years. He was an active member of Trinity Church in Portland, where he served as a member of the vestry, treasurer and senior warden.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary (Zappulla) Carlson, four children and their spouses, John and Nancy Carlson of Avon, Jeanne and Tony Ambrosio of Farmington, Raymond and Patricia Carlson of Windsor, and Donald and Kathleen Carlson of Portland, seven grandchildren, Megan Carlson Langman, Lauren Carlson, Matthew Carlson, Michael Ambrosio, Shawn Carlson, Amanda Ambrosio, and Mark Carlson, and a greatgrandchild, Andrew Langman.
He was predeceased by a sister, Janice Carlson, and by his grandchild, Jeffrey Graham Carlson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 25, beginning at 9 a.m. from Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, with a service of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main St., Portland. Burial will be in Center Cemetery, Portland. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main St., Portland, CT. 06480.
To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.