Obituary of John M Carlson Jr.

John (Jack) M. Carlson, Jr. lived his life being happy. He did not dwell on the past nor did he worry about the future, he focused on living fully for the present. It is with broken hearts that his family announces Jack passed away on Tuesday October 4th, 2022, in the comfort of his home after a long and courageous battle with Cardiac Amyloidosis. Jack was born in Buffalo, New York to Florence (Homer) and John M. Carlson, Sr, both deceased. Jack graduated from Riverside High School and attended the University of Buffalo. Jack began his career in accounting at Anaconda American Brass. After serving in the Army National Guard, he began working at Durez Plastics in North Tonawanda before being transferred to the finance department of Hooker Chemical on Grand Island. When the finance department moved to Houston, he went to work for Delaware North, Sports Service for a number of years. Jack's career path then led to a position in the IT Department at Tops Headquarters in Williamsville. He was a lead IT Specialist worked on the Y2K conversion, travelling every week from Monday to Thursday. Jack met the love of his life, Linda while working at Hooker Chemical on Grand Island, New York. They became friends and before they realized it, they had fallen in love and eventually were married in 1986. Jack raised and loved Josh and Jodi, Linda's two children from her first marriage like they were his own and as Jodi once put it, he was "the perfect Dad". Jack and Linda spent their retirement years traveling around the United States. They especially enjoyed New England and visiting Linda's hometown of Milton, MA. Jack always wanted to visit Alaska and in 2011 he and Linda were fortunate to be able to enjoy an 18-day cruise/inland trip to Alaska and the Yukon. Another highlight of their many trips was taking the family on a Disney Cruise in 2012. Jack is survived by the love of his life, Linda (Lindaley Follum) and children, Joshua (Michelle) Kilmer and Jodi (Douglas) Collins and his "handsome" Grandson, Austin. He is also survived by his brother Richard (late Barbara), as well as his brother-in-law, Ron Follum and sister-in-law, Patti (Richard) Vitello and his God Daughter, Kristine Hotchkiss, as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins. Jack and Linda were blessed to have tremendous support from Josh and Jodi as well as Jack's cousin Diane Colby and other family members during this difficult time. Jack was predeceased by his half-sister, Betty Joan Henesey, his brother-in-law, Finn Follum and his Uncle Dick Homer, who was like a brother to Jack. A special expression of gratitude to Dr. James Conley, Dr. Richard Steinacher, Dr. James Youssef and Dr Peter Muscarella for their kindness while ensuring Jack had the best medical treatment possible. Jack and I always had complete trust and confidence in each of you. At Jack's request there will be no prior visitation, his wishes were to be cremated. There will be a celebration of Jack's life at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. If one desires, memorial offerings may be made to the Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, 145 N Sixth Street, Lewiston, NY 14092