Robert C. Carlson, Jr.

Robert C. Carlson Jr, 51, of New Hartford, CT, joined the heavenly choir on Friday, August 31st, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.  He was the devoted husband of Lottie Beth Carlson for 27 years.  Robert was born May 16, 1967 in Torrington, son of the late Robert C. Carlson and Rosemary (SantaMaria) Barron. He leaves behind his mother and his sister, Channea Barron.  He attended Torrington High School, became an Eagle Scout, and graduated as valedictorian of the engineering class from University of New Haven.

He was employed through the years at the Torrington Company, Selmix-Alco, and, until his death, the Siemon Company in Watertown, CT.  It was with the Siemon Company that he began as a mechanical engineer and rose through the ranks to become the Vice President of Global Marketing as well as a member of the Board of Directors.

Bob was blessed through the course of his life by being included in a multitude of families.  First, the family he was born into, the SantaMaria’s and Carlson’s where he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  In his teenage years he was the honorary 9th son of the Szabo family. This is when the band Infinity was formed with Bob as the lead singer. They performed for almost 30 years.

It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Lottie Beth (Abeling) Carlson, as well as her loving family.  In this family, besides his wife to mourn his passing, he leaves his son, Robert S. Carlson, who is following his father’s footsteps at The Siemon Company and his daughter-in-law Shannon; and his daughter Olivia R. Carlson, who shares his passion for performance through dance.  He leaves behind his mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, niece and nephew, and great-niece & Goddaughter Rylee Mae Foster.

The next family he was honored to be a part of was the Siemon Company family.  Through work, he travelled the world and met co-workers that in turn became close friends and family.  Included in these people he leaves to mourn his passing a Goddaughter, Julia Duffy, in Indonesia.  It was at the Siemon Company that he became the lead singer of the company band, River Mud.

Bob was a member of the First Congregational Church in Torrington where he served as Treasurer for many years.  His occasional solo was enjoyed by his entire church family, who embraced him during times of need.

The final family (his village) was formed after he was diagnosed in June 2017 with pancreatic cancer.  Bob was so thankful for all the love and support he received from his village.  Bob also said that although the last year was what most people would expect to be the worst year of his life, in his eyes, it was the best year as he was able to see how much everyone loved and cared for him and his family.

His passion throughout his life was music.  His presence on stage as a lead vocalist was unmatched.  Bob was honored to be the lead singer for Infinity and River Mud.  He also performed individually with members of both bands and especially with his (cousin) Mike. The highlight of his musical career was being the opening act for Marshall Tucker two years ago.

Bobby always lived his life to the fullest.  His smile would light up a room and his voice touched the hearts of everyone who heard it.  We are lucky to have the songs he wrote and sang to bring us comfort in all our days to come.

Public calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a public funeral service to be held at 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.  Private funeral services and committal service have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the First Congregational Church of Torrington or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for Duchenne Research (www.mda.org)

Condolences may be sent to Bobby’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com

Bobby’s motto was to “Work Hard, Play Hard, Love Hard.”  In his memory, we should all heed his advice.