ROCKLAND — Robert Leroy Carlson, Sr. went to be with the Lord, Saturday, April 13, 2024, just two days shy of his 88th birthday. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rockland, April 15, 1936, he was the son of Gustav and Ethel Carlson, and was extremely proud of his Swedish heritage.

Bob grew up in a family of 12 children, and entertained his own children and grandchildren with stories of adventures growing up in the “Bog.” He attended Rockland High School before joining the Army where he served in Fort Ord, California, and was a witness to the atomic proving grounds in Nevada. After the service he moved back and remained at home in Maine.

Bob married Joan Porter in 1956 and they were married for 54 years before she sadly passed away in 2010. Together they raised four boys.

They joined Spruce Head Community Church in 1975, and Bob held various positions throughout the years. He was a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Usher, and Treasurer. He was a devout Christian, and especially enjoyed singing in the church. People looked forward to his rendition of “O Holy Night” every Christmas and his performances of “Amazing Grace.”

Through the years, Bob has worked in a few different professions. He owned a small retail store, worked at the tannery, drove for Harris Baking and Eagles Snacks, and worked at Shaw's Supermarket. After retiring he was
able to pursue some of his hobbies. He enjoyed coin collecting, and had a passion for bowling. He played in the Seniors and in the Mixed leagues (lane six was his favorite) and he went bowling whenever he had the opportunity. He loved to cook and was well known for his delicious pies. When he moved into Bartlett Woods, he made pies for his neighbors and often made up to 20 pies for family at Thanksgiving. He also played a mean game of Cribbage and was willing to take anyone on.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Gustav H. Carlson, Jr., Richard Carlson, and Alfred Carlson; sisters, Arlene Jenkins, Norma Davee, and Florence VanHoek.

He is survived by his four sons, Robert L. Carlson, Jr. and his wife Carol, Timothy W. Carlson and his wife Cindy all of Owls Head, Darrin W. Carlson and his wife Michelle (Colleen) of Hampden, Bruce W. Carlson and his wife, Traci of Chicopee, Massachusetts; his siblings, Sonja Staples, Hilma Meklin, Roger Carlson and his wife Sheila, Donald Carlson and his wife Catherine, Judith Carlson, and Karen Carlson and her husband, Jim.

Bob has been blessed with 13 grandchildren, Nichole Harvey and her husband Andrew of Spruce Head, Robert Carlson, III and his wife Jessica of Warren, Catrina Guiggey and her husband Dave of Union, Eric Carlson and his wife Tabbie of Jefferson, Tonya Carlson and her fiance’ Ethan of Hampden, Christine Morin and her husband Isaac of Waldoboro, Naomi Carlson and her husband Adriaan of Baltimore, Maryland, Heather Carlson of Owls Head, Mariah Carlson of Hampden, Christopher Carlson of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Colby Carlson of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Rohobot Carlson of Owls Head, and Sena Carlson of Owls Head.

He also has 16 great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews. He has left behind quite a legacy.

Family and friends are invited to visit  Monday, April 22, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Pastor Chris Emery will officiate.

To share a memory or condolence with the Carlson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.