Curtis Edward Carlson

With deep sadness, the Carlson family announces the passing of our beloved patriarch, Curtis Edward Carlson on August 2, 2024 in Nashua, NH. His life was a testament to love, dedication, and hard work, values that continue to inspire us all.

Curtis Carlson was born the youngest of four children–Robert, John, and Shirley–during the Great Depression to immigrant parents. His father, William, who hailed from Sweden, passed away when Curtis was just 12 years old, and his mother, Carolyne Mayo, died when he was 7. This tragic loss placed the responsibility of raising Curtis on his sister and later his stepmother, Emma. These early challenges fostered in Curtis a quiet determination and a deep appreciation for those close to him, traits that would define his character throughout his life.

After high school, Curtis enlisted the United States Air Force and served in northern Japan during the Korean War as a radio intercept operator, monitoring Russian communications. After completing his service, Curtis took advantage of the GI Bill and majored in electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts.

As the first in his family to attend college, Curtis embraced the opportunity to build a better life for himself and those who had supported him. During this time that he met his future wife, Glennis Evans. The couple quickly fell in love, eloped, and married in Brattleboro, Vermont. Curtis soon began his first job with Sperry Gyroscope in New York City. For the next decade, the young couple embraced city life and started their family.

In 1968, the family returned to New England when Curtis was hired by Raytheon Corporation and settled in Nashua to raise their three boys. Curtis had a distinguished career at Raytheon, most notably as a key member in the ongoing development of Patriot missile’s radar guidance system, for which he received a U.S. patent. His strong work ethic and dedication to his family ensured that all his children attended college, and after retirement, Curtis and Glennis embarked on a new journey together.

Curtis and Glennis spent many cherished summers on the coast of Maine, particularly in the oceanfront town of Wells, where they enjoyed the fresh air and peaceful life by the sea. These times created lasting memories of family and the joy of raising grandchildren, a legacy that will continue to be celebrated by future generations.

Curtis is survived by son Evan; son and daughter-in-law Aaron and Adelya; grandchildren Kassie, Erik, Oskar, and Kamilla.

Curtis was preceded in death by wife, Glennis, and son, Adam