John W. Carlson

Brigadier General John W. Carlson, 82 years of age, passed away at South Shore Hospital on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. He was born in Braintree, where he was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Braintree High School and graduated from Prescott School of Broadcasting. Later in life he graduated from Curry College in Milton, where he earned a B.A. in communications and election to the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society. He also was a professor at the college for 10 years. General Carlson joined the National Guard in 1950 rising to the rank of sergeant as gun section chief and trainer before being chosen for Field Artillery Officer Candidate School at Ft. Sill, Okla., where he graduated in 1954. He is now in their Hall of Fame at the school. He commanded both artillery and engineering units in over 16 years in command berths and served as a staff officer at division level and above. He served as public affairs chief and chief of staff of the Massachusetts area command H.Q. In 1985 he was selected as Assistant Adjutant General. He also received the US Senate Confirmation as a General Officer in 1986. The General retired in December in 1993 after nearly 43 years of serving state and nation. General Carlson was a columnist for Gatehouse Media, writing General View. He was active in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company at Bostons Faneuil Hall. He toured Europe and Africa extensively studying at battlefields of Great Captains of History and was often sought as a speaker on past military figures. The General has written and narrated films, historical videos, and slide shows. He also made 8 appearances as a narrator with the famed Boston Pops Orchestra at Symphony Hall. In civilian life, he had an award winning broadcasting career. As sports director for CBS Radio, Boston, he wrote and aired news and commentary and was Voice of the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings. He televised play-by-play of NHL, WHA, and NCAA hockey games, NBA and NCAA basketball, NCAA football and professional boxing. After playing 11 years of semi pro football, he coached Pop Warner, semi pro and high school football and played basketball and softball. General Carlson was the loving husband of the late Irene (Goodwin) Carlson who passed away in 2005. He was the devoted father of Kathryn Youngman married to Geoffrey of Whitman, Chief Warrant Officer-4 U.S. Army John Scott Carlson married to Nancy of Rockland, LT. Col. Eric L. Carlson retired U.S. Air National Guard of Braintree, and Jennifer Irene Carlson of Braintree. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was the brother of Ruth Muncy married to David of Lenoir, N.C., and Jeanne Mullen of Braintree. He is also survived by his close friend Maura Hoey of Quincy. Visiting hours will be held at the Mortimer N. Peck-Russell Peck Funeral Home, 516 Washington Street, Braintree, Sunday, April 10, from 1-4 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 201 Granite Street, Quincy, Monday at 11 a.m. The Reverend Heidi Johnston will officiate. There will be a collation at the church following the service. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be sent to the South Shore VNA, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370.