Herbert E. Carlson Jr.

Herbert E. Carlson, Jr., 83, of Kensington, Connecticut and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on March 3, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Herb was born on September 15, 1942, in New Britain, Connecticut, to Herbert E. Carlson and Irma (Swanson) Carlson. Herb grew up in New Britain and attended the Mooreland Hill School before graduating from The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, where he later served as chairman of his 50th reunion. Herb attended Dartmouth College, where he was captain of the golf team, and later earned his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1969. That same year he was admitted to the Connecticut Bar.

Herb began his legal career at the firm of Mangan and Greene and served as a public defender before joining the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. Over the course of a distinguished career, Herb became one of the most respected prosecutors in the state, ultimately serving as Supervisory First Assistant State's Attorney at Hartford Superior Court Part A. He tried over fifty murder cases to verdict and mentored generations of young attorneys. Known for his integrity, fairness, and dedication to justice, Herb became the longest-serving prosecutor in the Division of Criminal Justice before retiring in 2012. In recognition of his extraordinary career and commitment to public service, he received the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herb was deeply devoted to his family, church, and community. For 58 years he was an active and faithful member of South Church in New Britain, where he served in numerous roles including moderator, clerk for more than 30 years, senior deacon, chair of the nominating committee, head usher, and a dedicated, enthusiastic volunteer with the church's Feed the Need program.

Herb was also a passionate civic leader who devoted countless hours to improving the New Britain community. He was a founder, president, and chairman of the board of The Mooreland Hill School in Kensington for more than three decades. Since 1983 Herb served as president of the Robert C. Vance Charitable Foundation, helping to support numerous organizations and projects throughout New Britain. Under his leadership, the foundation funded the Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture Series and the endowed chair of journalism at Central Connecticut State University, and supported projects including the lobbies of the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Oncology Center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, the dining room at the Klingberg Family Centers, the Vance Forum at the New Britain Institute, and many other community improvements. Herb also served as a trustee of the William H. Hart Trust Fund and held leadership roles with the Erwin Home retirement community in New Britain.

Herb was a proud member of Shuttle Meadow Country Club, where he celebrated a memorable hole-in-one on the sixth hole. He was also a member of Shuttle Meadow's Saturnites Club as well as the Dartmouth Clubs of New Britain and Sarasota, Florida.

In 1971, Herb and Cheryl made their home in Kensington, where they raised their two children, Matthew and Amanda. The couple spent many happy winter months in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Above all, Herb cherished time with his family and especially loved being a grandfather.

Herb is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Cheryl; his son Matthew H. Carlson and his wife Janneke of West Chester, Pennsylvania; his daughter Amanda B. Carlson and her husband Lawrence Whitman of Newtown, Connecticut; and his three cherished grandchildren, Lilian Carlson, Hunter Carlson, and Carter Whitman. He is also survived by his sister, Cynthia Carlson of Farmington; his brother-in-law Jeffrey R. Carlson and his wife Donna of Wakefield, Rhode Island; his nephew Scott G. Carlson and his wife Judy of Kingsland, Georgia; and his niece Jody L. Carlson of Venice, Florida.

Herb was predeceased by his parents, Herbert E. Carlson, Sr. and Irma Swanson Carlson, and by his stepmother, Elizabeth Malm Anderson Carlson.

A principled man of deep conviction and faith, Herb will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. A memorial service celebrating Herb's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, at South Congregational Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Herb's memory may be made to South Church's Feed the Need program. Please share a memory or note of sympathy with Herbert's family at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com