Carlson, Paul T.
Paul T. Carlson, 79, of West Hartford, died on Jan. 1, 2023 with family at his bedside and a trampoline at his feet.
He was devoted to his family, including his beloved wife, Janice, two sons, Chris and Jeff, two daughters-in law, Julie and Asya, and grandchildren Maya and Max.
Paul was born in Newton, Mass. in 1943, the son of Joseph Carlson and Elsie (Olson) Carlson, and grew up in Watertown, Mass.
He graduated from Northeastern University and became an accountant at Carlingswitch (later Carling Technologies) in Plainville, Conn., where he worked for more than 37 years, displayed a knack for numbers and provided for his family.
He married Janice, the love of his life, on July 14, 1979. They supported each other through 43 years of marriage, building an inseparable partnership that was incomplete without both halves. She died less than six months before him.
As a child, Paul developed an appreciation for Bobby Orr and Boston's four professional sports teams. He later became a fan of UConn, especially the UConn women's basketball program, where he was an early member of the bandwagon.
One son Chris, of Syracuse, N.Y., followed one passion and went on to become a sports reporter. The other son, Jeff, of West Hartford, followed another and also became an accountant.
Paul taught his family the value of hard work and education, as well as how to enjoy life and ensured they could - taking great pride in a home which they expanded and in annual summer vacations.
They lived near Webster Hill Elementary School, where the school yard became their playground, hosting games of baseball, football, basketball and soccer. When it got cold – or dark – the living room hosted those events to Jan's occasional chagrin.
His love of play extended to his grandchildren. He spent his final month holiday shopping, looking forward to giving them a trampoline and watching them enjoy it, ensuring his love of play passed to another generation. In addition to his sons, daughters in law, and grandchildren, Paul leaves behind a sister, Dottie Leighton, her husband Charlie, and their children John, Steven, and Julie; his sister in-law Sandy Carlson, and her children Scott, Wendy and Heidi. He also leaves behind sisterin-law, Holly Arseneaux, and her two children, Matthew and Kristen, as well as a small but much appreciated circle of friends with whom he shared kindnesses and special moments over the years.
In addition to Jan, he was predeceased by his parents and his brother Alan.
A private celebration of his life will be held by his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. The Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial is in care of the arrangements. To share a condolence with his family, please visit www. duksa.net.
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