Charles Edward Carlson Jr.

1932 - 2022

Carlson, Charles Edward Jr. NEWTONVILLE It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Charles Edward Carlson Jr., 89, on January 30, 2022. Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed unexpectedly of natural causes at home with Eva Steinbach Carlson, his wife of 67 years. Charles was born in Manhattan on November 27, 1932, and grew up in the Bronx. He attended the City College of New York as an ROTC student and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1954. Charles served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for two years and the U.S. Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of captain. Charles began his career as an engineer with the State of Wisconsin in 1956. He was one of the first engineers to use computers in the design of bridges. In 1961, Charles, Eva, and their two children moved to New Jersey where he worked at Levitt & Sons, the home builder, and was responsible for the company's data processing. In 1962, Charles embarked on an extensive career as a civil servant for the State of New York, starting as director of Data Processing for the Department of Public Works. He became a regional director of Transportation and eventually deputy commissioner of Transportation for the State of New York. During his tenure as a regional director, the governor of New York appointed Charles as chairman of Transportation and an administrator of the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid. He returned to the State Department of Transportation and became deputy commissioner. Throughout his career, Charles promoted and supported the development of many public work projects and left behind a legacy of bike paths, trails, and public use spaces throughout New York State and the Capital District. Upon his retirement from the D.O.T. in 1988, Charles joined Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. as a senior vice president. He served as deputy manager of the "Big Dig" in Boston. In 1995, he became managing director of Merz and McLellan, an electrical engineering company acquired by Parsons Brinckerhoff and based in the United Kingdom. He retired from P.B. in 1998. Charles was a lifetime member of the International Torch Clubs. He served as president of the Albany club and subsequently as president of the International Torch Clubs for two years. He was on the board of the Albany Institute of History and Art and served as a member of many community organizations, including an advisory committee for Cobleskill College. Charles created a second home and lifelong memories for his family on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Summer vacations with family and friends will be remembered and cherished forever. Charles was actively involved in Friends of Sengekontacket, a charitable organization which supports the environmental health of his beloved pond, "Sengi," where he spent many happy years clamming, sailing, fishing, and kayaking with his wife and family. Charles was predeceased by his eldest son, Charles Edward Carlson III. He is survived by his wife, Eva; two children, Nancy (Stephen) and Paul Carlson (Elizabeth); and five grandchildren, Mae Carlson, Jack Fisher (Julia), Halley, Samuel, and Caroline Fisher. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 9, from 3 - 5 p.m. at The Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation at amyloidosis.org. To leave a message of condolence for the family online please visit ParkerBrosMemorial.com