Schenectady~

John Lawrence (Larry) Carlson, 85, passed away on May 14 at Ellis Hospital. He was born on May 31, 1932 in Conneaut, OH to the late Oscar and Sara (Galloway) Carlson. He grew up in Mayville, NY, and attended Jamestown Business College, Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY, and Buffalo Bible Institute in Buffalo, NY. He married Velma Boyd on September 10, 1955 in Buffalo. Together they served churches in Maine and New York for 17 years. He worked for the NY State Department of Social Services, retiring in 1995. He was a longtime member of the Schenectady Church of the Nazarene. Over the years he volunteered at Kingsway Nursing Home and Capital District Youth for Christ. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, collecting coins and stamps, making scrapbooks, and listening to all kinds of music.

He is survived by his four children - Pastor Kevin (Melodie) Carlson of Schenectady, Pastor Douglas (Judy) Carlson of Zion, IL, David (Doris) Carlson of Schenectady, and Jennifer (Raymond) Bartlett of Walton, NY. He is also survived by a sister, Catherine Miller of Jamestown, NY, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 6 nephews. He is predeceased by a sister (Mary Lou Carlson), a brother (Raymond Carlson) and his beloved wife of 62 years, Velma Boyd Carlson, who passed away a few short months ago on February 21. He was devastated by her passing and began to decline in health shortly after her death.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 1, at 11:00 am, at Christ Church, 970 State St., Schenectady, with a calling hour at 10:00 just prior to the service. Burial will follow at Park View Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the City Mission of Schenectady or Capital District Youth for Christ.

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