Ralph Carlson

Ralph was born in Hartford on May 25, 1951. He died, peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Ralph currently resided in Andover, CT. He graduated from Manchester High in 1970 where his lifelong interest in photography began on the Soman his yearbook staff. His work received recognition from the Scholastic Art Awards. He enlisted in the US Air Force, taking the by-pass test for photography, and was stationed in the photo lab at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Missouri where he photographed both presidential candidate Barry Goldwater and astronaut John Glenn Jr. During his time in the Air Force, he also participated in the 21-gun salute for President Harry Truman's funeral, worked as a heavy equipment maintainer, and restored a TR-3. He was transferred to the photo lab at Kunsan Air Force Base, Korea. When he returned to Connecticut, he attended Manchester Community College and UCONN on the GI Bill studying mathematics, physics, and engineering. Ralph was a talented classical and jazz guitarist who played with local bands until the early 1980s. He won second place in the US Air Force Talent Contest in the 70s with a Villa Lobos classical guitar piece. His love of music continued throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Lea Perry, on April 4, 1975. They had two sons and remained devoted to each other throughout his lifetime. Ralph loved his family more than anything else. He worked as a hardwood flooring installer for Patrick Daigle Flooring until opening his own business: Carlson Hardwood Floors, LLC where he worked with both his sons. He was a master woodworker and installed many inlaid and one-of-a-kind floors. He continued to make beautiful pieces of furniture for his home and family including many hand-carved, unique pieces after his retirement. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph G. Carlson Sr. and Ann Marie Petrella, and his older sister, Nancy Carlson; his brothers-in-law, Wolf Rupar, and Frank Perry. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Lea Perry Carlson; his sons and their wives, Travis (Karen) Carlson of Manchester, CT, and Trenton Carlson (Monica Lopez) of Worcester, MA. His younger sister, Gail Hartzog Hesse and her husband Tom of Manchester, CT. Three grandchildren: Alexandra, Jacob, and Gabrielle Carlson, all of Manchester, CT. His sister-in-law, April Rupar of East Hartford, CT and brother-in-law, Thomas Perry of California. And many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to a Veteran's charity of the donor's choice.