Robert Enoch Carlson

Robert Enoch "Bob" Carlson, age 95, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newton, Massachusetts on June 1, 1931, he was the son of the late Carl and Helena (Kristensson) Carlson. Bob was raised in Newton, where he graduated from Newton High School with the Class of 1949. Following his graduation, Bob began working at his father's shop, Carlson Machine, in Brookline Village.

Two years later, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. He was stationed with the 366th Air Police Squadron at Albrook Air Force Base in Panama. Bob was honorably discharged in April of 1955, having earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon his return home to Newton, Bob picked up at his father's machine shop, continuing to build his skill set.

A year later, Bob married his beloved wife, Joan E. Sjoberg, on June 9, 1956, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood. The young couple initially made their home in West Roxbury, however, as they prepared to welcome children, they settled in the small town of Walpole in 1957. With the move came a new job opportunity, and Bob began his career with Knox Corporation, taking a sales position. Bob started taking night courses at Northeastern University, earning his bachelor's degree while working full time. His career grew over the years with Knox, eventually assuming the role of regional sales manager, before purchasing a segment of the company, splitting off to form Hydralign in the early 1970s. Bob headquartered his business in Walpole, operating for more than twenty years before selling the company and retiring in 1993. As a man dedicated to his craft, Bob remained on board for a couple years, serving as a consultant.

In his retirement, Bob made his home at Royal Crest in Walpole, taking advantage of the golf course just outside his front door. He and Joan looked forward to escaping the cold and snow of New England, spending winters together at their home on Sanibel Island in Florida. While walking along the beaches of Sanibel, Bob regularly collected seashells, taking them home to create whimsical shell figurines. Also, during this time, he found another artistic outlet in painting, creating beautiful scenes of wildlife and nature. In 2013, Bob made his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts, decorating his yard with his hand-built bird houses, taking in the natural beauty of the wildlife that surrounded him.

Throughout his life, Bob was a devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the summer home on Trickey Pond in Naples, Maine. Bob was delighted to welcome his grandchildren, proudly earning the title of "Papa" and spending every minute he could with the next generation of Carlsons. Bob never stopped thinking about his next project, whether it was building, painting, planning or gardening. Bob was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. More recently, Bob made his home in Charlton, Massachusetts, with his loving partner Nancy Lyons and their beloved dog Nova. The two lived life to the fullest, supporting one another along the way.

Beloved husband of the late Joan E. (Sjoberg) Carlson.

Devoted partner of Nancy Lyons of Charlton.

Loving father of Don E. Carlson of Portland, Maine, Richard E. Carlson and his wife, Tracey, of Wrentham, Kenneth E. Carlson and his wife, Mary, of Medway, and Robert E. Carlson and his wife, Lynda, of Steep Falls, Maine.

Cherished grandfather of Tricia, Michael and his wife, Haley, Christopher and his wife, Karissa, Lisa, and Lauren; great grandfather of Rowan and was excited to welcome another great grandchild very shortly.

Brother of Ruth Sundberg of Walpole, the late Carl Carlson, the late Richard Carlson, and the late Arthur Carlson.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bob's visitation on Friday, August 21st, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 12:00 noon. Interment will take place privately at Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, by mailing a check to 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://Alzheimer's Association /manh