NISKAYUNA

Charles “Bill” William Carlson, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2016 in Loudonville.

Born February 5, 1924 in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Albert and Mildred (Jennison) Carlson.

Bill proudly served his country in the Army Air Force as an aerial gunner in World War II from 1944-1945, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bill received two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, a Good Conduct Medal, an Air Medal with two Oakleaf Clusters, an Overseas Bar, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Bill married Frances Seavey on September 12, 1948 in Dover, NH at St. John’s Methodist Church.

Bill and Fran were very involved in the Schenectady ARC and on October 20, 2014, their commitment to the ARC was honored with the dedication of a group home, The Carlson House, in memory of their son Billy.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved son Billy Carlson, and his sister Inez Bromage.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Frances Carlson, his daughter, Dr. Carol Carlson, his grandchildren; Matthew Phelps and his wife Cara, Jonathan Phelps, and Kirstie Harris and her husband Will, his great-granddaughters, Amaya and Ava Harris, as well as his brother Albert Carlson.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family with interment at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are in the care of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. To leave online condolences or to view Bill’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations in Bill’s name can be made to the Schenectady ARC, 214 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.