Obituary of John A. (Jack) Carlson

John A. (Jack) Carlson, 78, of Manchester, died peacefully July 5^th. Jack was the son of Carl and Marguerite Carlson. He grew up in Glastonbury and graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1957. He then went on to graduate from the University of Hartford (Hartt School of Music) with a degree in Organ and Piano. He received a Master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in Education and a Sixth Year Certification in Leadership and Supervision.

Jack was a church organist for 50 years and a teacher in the Manchester School system for 33 years. He was an extremely talented musician. One of his many accomplishments was playing the organ at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His other passions included gardening and cooking.

Jack leaves behind his loving wife Arlene Peterson Carlson and his children Kristin Peplau (Joseph), Lauren Vassallo (Michael), and Peter Carlson (Jaimie). His treasured grandchildren are Daniel, Madison, Erica, Ethan, Michael, Rocco and Natalia. Also, he leaves his brothers Marty Carlson (June), James Carlson (Joanne), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger and Joan Peterson, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

We would like to mention the special friendships he had with Jim McBride, Ann Marie Hollis, AJ McBride, Andy and Dorothy Brindisi. His dog Maggie was his faithful companion.

We want to thank Crestfield Rehab for the compassionate care Jack received.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, July 9^th at 11:00 AM at St. Bartholomew Church 45 Ludlow Rd. Manchester. According to Jack’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.