Robert "Bob" Carlton

Robert Carlton Obituary

Robert passed away Tuesday, June 27th surrounded by his family.He was a multi-talented man. An amazing graphic designer who owned and operated Bob Carlton Graphics for 45 years. His many hobbies and interests took him all over. He, with his buddies, bicycled the length of California from the Oregon border to Mexico. He rode up and over all the passes of the Sierra Nevada except Tioga, and then rode parts of the Oregon Trail. He played softball, football, and built his own surfboard, surfing the waves in Santa Cruz. He enjoyed the challenges of white-water rafting, including a trip in Alaska, Colorado, and the American River. Fishing brought great pleasure, mountain streams and ocean. Bob loved being with his grandsons starting from their first days. It was a time of great joy, laughter, fun, and good talks. Even after his "retirement", Bob continued to create and draw, especially for a group that he belonged to with Donna called Trails West, which marks and researches the pioneer trails into California. MOST OF ALL, his family was the center of his life and all the times they were together.He is survived by wife Donna, his son Matthew and daughter Kristen, and his two grandsons Aedan and Elijah. A sister, Maryanne, but there are MANY, MANY "family" and CLOSE friends who will greatly miss his laugh and thoughts too.If you have a memory to share with the family, send it along to his family.

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jul. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Carlton

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8 Entries

Donna Maurillo, Scotts Valley CA

July 12, 2025

Two years already? I remember the last time I saw Bob... at his son's home for a backyard party. Who knew he'd be gone within a couple of days? This photo was taken the weekend before Bob passed away. He's in the back, second from the right. I'll always remember his wry sense of humor, his talent with graphic arts, and the way he adored his two grandsons.

Stephen and Renee Fehrman

July 28, 2023

I met Bob many years ago when I asked him to design a logo for my Pediatric Dental practice in Aptos. Many of you will recognize his work of the Duck Logo as you pass down past 7545 Soquel Drive in Aptos. We became great friends for over 40 years and he did amazing work for me over the many years. He and Donna enjoyed visiting our horses and donkeys at our ranch in Soquel. Bob was so kind and such a joy to see every time our paths crossed. He had a wonder wife and family and I should say he truly got his job done as a husband, father, and friend. I will miss him and so fondly remember his friendship. I tip my hat and smile every time I pass his infamous Duck on Soquel Drive. Thank you Bob for all you have done for me and your family and for all the friends and lives you have touched!

Donna Maurillo

July 23, 2023

Bob had such great times with his grandsons. Here he is making Christmas cookies with Aedan.

Dave Bossie

July 20, 2023

Dear Donna, Matt and Kristen,
I'm so sad to hear that Bob passed away. I met him back in the early days of Bayshore Press, and enjoyed our friendship over the years. I will miss his friendship and "Bob wit"!
Dave
PS Donna's photo says it all!

Donna Maurillo

July 19, 2023

Bob and I first met when I worked for Thomas Burke Photography way back in the 1970s. He had a graphics business in the same converted house on Mission Street. Later we were joined as family by our children's marriage and by our mutual grandson Aedan. We did a lot together as a family while the grandkids were growing up -- noisy fireworks in the street for Fourth of July, hosting foreign visitors, picnics at Henry Cowell, hiking at Pinnacles, windy trips to rocky beaches, parties and holiday dinners. When he planned a family trip to Disneyland, I declined because I'd just been laid off from my tech job. "Then I'll pay your way," he insisted. "We can't go to Disneyland without Goofy." We shared a hotel suite - Bob, his wife Donna, and me. And we drove Donna crazy with our incessant teasing and bad jokes.

Yes, there were three Donnas -- his wife, my daughter, and me. Whenever Bob called for "Donna," all three of us would respond. Bob got so much pleasure from his grandsons, always wrestling and teasing. And the boys loved him equally. By chance, his grandson Aedan was visiting from Pittsburgh just a few days before Bob passed away. It's like the forces of nature pulled everything together at the right time.

I'll always be grateful for how generous Bob and Donna Carlton were with my daughter no matter what. Family was always important.

Somewhere in the clouds, there's a fast bike waiting for Bob to ride along the Milky Way. I hope he gives a happy salute as he flies by.

Bruce Bratton

July 17, 2023

He helped us with so many events and causes...a great guy and fine sense of humor!!

Jill James

July 16, 2023

Dear Donna, Matt and Kristen, I was very sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was a good-hearted man with an adventurous spirit. He aways talked about how much he loved his family. I met Bob when I was a fledgling designer back in 1979. He was a real mentor to me, so relaxed and so patient. I remember him leaving me to run the business a couple of time while he'd go off on his white river trips. He saw it as no big deal but I was terrified. He never had any qualms about leaving and he trusted me...even more than I trusted myself. I never forgot that. Bob had the warmest smile and will always have a special place in my heart and memory.

Donna-Renée

July 16, 2023

Miss your generosity and mostly especially your teasing, twinkly-eyed sense of humor. (If I can figure out a way I will sneak some chocolate through the veil for you - sssshhh, don't tell Donna!) Love you greatly.

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