Obituary of Richard Carlson

Niskayua - Richard W. Carlson of Niskayuna, NY and formerly of Little Neck, NY passed away of natural causes at the age of 92 on November 18, 2011. He was born December 14, 1918 in Swissvale, PA. The youngest son of Oscar Joseph Carlson and Anna Theresa Bjorkland, he was predeceased by his brothers, Oscar, George, Robert and sister, Louise. He was raised and educated in East Longmeadow, MA. Richard was married to the late Phyllis Distler Carlson and is survived by his two daughters, Lauren Carlson-Ferguson, of Middletown, RI and Barbara C. Porter (Tim) of Niskayuna, NY; five grandchildren, Danielle and Devin Ferguson, Kevin (Michelle), Christopher and Stephen Porter; and his daughter-in-law, Karen H. Carlson. His eldest child Richard G. Passed away in 1998. After living for a brief time in Florida working for Paramount Pictures, Richard went to work as a manager for Pan American Airways, which is where he later met his wife. When WWII broke out he worked as a civilian for Pan Am serving in the Army Air Corps and later enlisted with the Navy. Shortly after the war, he left Pan Am and began working for Columbia University's Travel Agency, which he later owned and operated as Columbia Travel Service until his retirement in 1985. Richard loved to travel, play golf and was a member of the Douglaston Club. He was also active in various Travel Agency organizations, including Skal and Bon Vivants. His summers were often spent with his family on Cape Cod. Richard golfed many of the major golf courses around the world and played in several pro/am tournaments with legendary golfers such as Lee Trevino and Dave Stockton. He prided himself in caring for his home for over 54 years and was able to stay in Little Neck for an extended time because of the care from his daughters, especially Lauren. He moved in with his daughter Barbara in Niskayuna in 2005. While in Niskayuna he enjoyed breakfasts at the Town House Diner and earlier at Peter Pause, with his daughters. He enjoyed his time with his family and his special cat, Tux. The family would like to acknowledge Carol Gilbert for her care and compassion over the last four years. Graveside services will be private in the spring. Donations may be made in Richard's name to the Visiting Nurses of Schenectady.