David Charles Carlson

David C. Carlson passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Wolfeboro, NH, at the age of 88. Born on January 11, 1937, in Hartford, CT, David was the son of Carl and Edith Carlson. He spent his formative years in East Hartford, CT, and graduated from East Hartford High School in 1955 as their class president. David was a devoted swimmer and spent many cherished summers lifeguarding at Goldstar Pool, a role that reflected his lifelong connection to water and youth.

Following high school, David attended Upsala College in East Orange, NJ. With his characteristic humor, he often quipped that it was “the only school that would give me a scholarship,” though the truth was that it was also a common choice for New England’s Swedish Lutheran community. He graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree, fully aware that military service in the Vietnam War lay ahead. True to form, Dave charted his own path and joined the United States Navy through Officer Candidate Training School, serving with pride aboard the USS McKean until 1964.

Just before beginning his naval service, David married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Johnson. The two met as children at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford and began dating at age 14. They shared a love story that spanned more than five decades, marrying in 1959 and building a life marked by deep devotion and adventure. Together, they raised a family while living in various places across the country, ultimately settling in West Hartford, CT, where they spent many happy years. In 2002, David and Nancy retired to Freedom, NH.

David’s professional career was centered around the insurance industry, beginning at Connecticut General and culminating in a 25-year tenure at ACI in Waterbury, CT, where he earned a reputation as "the best boss" many had ever known. His strong leadership, kindness, and humor left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

In retirement, David embraced a second calling—education. He served as a substitute teacher at Freedom, Madison, and Tamworth Elementary Schools, as well as Brewster Academy. He spent summers at Calumet Day Camp, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Dave,” the swim teacher. When not teaching, he spent his time on the beach with a good book in hand but always ready to catch up with all the visitors to the Calumet beach. These roles allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream of teaching and mentoring young people, and he was deeply grateful to these communities that welcomed him so warmly.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy, in 2011. He is survived by his three children: Kris Niiler and husband Craig of Freedom, NH; Eric Carlson and wife Lynda of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and Sarah Arndt and husband Kevin of Manchester, NH. David took immense pride in his four grandchildren: Kurt Niiler of East Burke, VT; Emma Niiler and husband Jonathan Emery of Essex Junction, VT; and Andrew and Owen Arndt of Manchester, NH.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The Oasis at Calumet, 1090 Ossipee Lake Rd, Freedom, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Calumet Lutheran Ministries, PO Box 236, West Ossipee, NH 03890.

We would like to thank the staff at Wolfeboro Bay Center for their kind and compassionate care they provided over these last two years.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes of Wolfeboro and West Ossipee, NH are assisting the family with the arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information go to: baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com