Obituary of Robert H Carlson

Mr. Robert H. Carlson, 88, of Utica, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Wynn Hospital, Utica with his loving family at his side.

     Robert was born in the Bronx, NYC, on March 29,1936, the son of the late Carl H. and Anna (Anderson) Carlson.  Robert was raised and educated in P.S. 21 and P.S. 113 and graduated Dewitt Clinton High School Class of 1953, he attended Westchester Community College and received an AA Degree in accounting.  He enlisted in the US Army and served in France from 1956-1958.  While on leave he would visit family in Sweden.  After active duty he was in the Army reserves in Utica from 1959-1962.  After serving his country Robert was employed by the Textile Banking Co. 23^rd St NYC, Homelite Chainsaw Co. Porchester NY, NY Central Railroad in the accounting department, then moved to Utica to work for Savings Bank of Utica for the remainder of his career, retiring in 1991.  Robert excelled at his job, receiving numerous awards for his accomplishments.  The rewards that he received were from 1965-1992 National Assn. of Accountants Mohawk Valley Chapter President 1972 -1973 6^th place banner V.P. 1981-1982 1^st Place banner and 1965-1991 American Institute of Banking graduated 1971 Charles Hall Cup 1^st.  

     He served as Director of Utica YMCA from 1991-1994 and Boy Scouts of America from 1965-2009.  He over saw YMCA Jr. Church basketball leagues and served as president of the 74 Track Club for 17 years which is now Utica Road Runners and he was head of the traffic control for road races and he was race director of the Summer Sizzle Run, Utica YMCA Run, Rescue Mission Run and Falling Leaves Run.  He ran Boilermaker for 11 years, Boston Marathon 5 times and Skyline Buffalo Marathon 5 times.  In 1988 he was awarded the Scott Hamilton Award from the Road Runners Club of America, for outstanding President of the year.  He also ran 82,600 miles while representing the Utica Road Runners #1 in the club.  In 1994 he received the RRCA National Volunteer Award which required 2,000 volunteer hours.  In 1980 Robert carried the Olympic torch for one leg of its journey for the Lake Placid games.

     Robert is survived by his children Jeanne Combellack, Litchfield, NY, Kirsten Casale and her husband George, New Hartford, Robert L. Carlson and his wife Priscilla, Tampa Bay, FL, a sister Elsa Lester and her husband Bill, San Diego, CA and their daughter Linne’ Winke, his adored grandchildren Andrew, Xavier, Mark, Treowe, Shawn and Eric.  He is predeceased by his parents and a grandson Brian Tichensky.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Robert’s visitation on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 11AM-1PM, at Heintz Funeral Service, Inc. 1517 Whitesboro Street, Utica, NY followed by a prayer service at 1PM at the conclusion of visitation.  Robert will laid to rest in Norwich Corners Cemetery.