David Andrew Carlson

David Andrew Carlson, 36, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 29, 2025, at his residence in Poquoson, VA, from an apparent heart attack.
Born on June 13, 1989, in Arlington, VA, David is the dearly beloved son of Susan S. Carlson of Vienna, VA, and the late Gary David Carlson. David grew up in Vienna and graduated from James Madison High School in 2008. He went on to attend George Mason University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Game Design and a minor in Economics. Before graduating, David started his own LLC, Sinister Studios-sinister's Latin etymology being a reference to his own left-handedness.
While David continued to build his game design portfolio, network, and learn programming in order to break into the highly competitive game design industry, he took employment as a courier for FedEx.
In 2022, seeking new opportunities, David relocated to Poquoson, VA, and began training as a machinist for Huntington Ingalls at the Newport News Shipyard. About a year ago, he entered their Apprentice School. He earned a reputation as an outstanding and well liked apprentice who was hardworking and intelligent, with a great attitude and a happy disposition.
David is deeply mourned by his family: his mother Susan Carlson; his siblings Lydia Carlson of Sterling, VA, Michael Carlson of Valencia, CA, and Rachel (Caleb) McClain of Bristow, VA; and his nephew Zachary David McClain. He also leaves behind extended family who loved him dearly: aunts and uncles Christina Steinmuller, Carol and Tim Jarrell, Nancy Williams, and John Van Rosendale; cousins Glenn (Sara) Williams, Jessica (Nate) Harbin, Kyle (Julia) Jarrell, Kevin Jarrell, and Brie Van Rosendale; and first cousins once removed Audrey, Zoey, Lily, Grace, and Alvida.
In addition to his father, Gary Carlson, in 2019, David was preceded in death by the following family members who were there to rejoice at his birth and were integral parts of his life: his aunt Karen Van Rosendale (2018), his great aunt (tante) Norma Steinmuller (2014), his grandma Edith Steinmuller (2012), his aunt Gail Saltis (2005), and his great aunt Doris Lindstrom (2005). What a glorious reunion must be happening in heaven!
David had many passions and wide-ranging interests. He began playing chess in elementary school and played on the Madison High School chess team. He was a highly skilled player and continued honing those skills throughout his life. He started a chess club at the Apprentice School in Newport News.
David was an avid reader, accumulating dozens of books at his home in Poquoson and patronizing his local libraries frequently. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, word games, and sudoku; and he was always ready for a competitive family game of dominoes. He had a love of cooking that grew through watching culinary shows. In recent years, he took an interest in
gardening, specifically to grow hot peppers to use in cooking. He was also a craft beer aficionado and had begun brewing his own beer.
David enjoyed music, especially classical and power metal. He liked spending time outdoors and at the beach, relaxing in the sun, fishing, shooting, and trying out new craft breweries.
David was proud of his Lutheran heritage going back many generations: German Lutherans on his mother's side and Swedish Lutherans on his father's side. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He carried forward strong values grounded in the Bible and his faith in Jesus Christ. David lived out Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven." He did so not through grand gestures but through his quiet nature, steady strength, humility, and integrity. His sweet spirit touched many lives. To God be the Glory!
Those who took time to know David discovered someone intelligent and imaginative, a creative thinker with unique perspectives. He had a clever wit paired with a gentle demeanor that made him both endearing and unforgettable.
His family is especially grateful to the 911 dispatcher, Alexis, who was on the phone talking to David as he took his last breath and Jesus welcomed him into heaven. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the Poquoson EMTs, police officers, and firefighters who responded swiftly and worked valiantly to save him.
A funeral for David will be held on November 15, 2025, at 12:30 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at the church a half an hour before the service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Following the service there will be a food reception.
The burial will follow at 3:00 PM at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.
All are welcome