John Richard Carlson, 93, passed away on Dec. 20, 2021, at Shenango on the Green, his home of 7 1/2 years in New Wilmington.

Dick, as he was known to all, was born on Oct. 9, 1928, in Erie to Birger Carlson and Anna Johnson Carlson.

He played football in high school and received an athletic scholarship offer to Appalachian State in North Carolina, but took a job with National Cash Register and married his high school love, Maxine Eichler.

After five years and the birth of two daughters in Erie, he was transferred to Oil City to work as a service manager.

After the birth of three more daughters, he was transferred to New Castle and ultimately worked for Penn Power.

He worked as a carpenter on the side, his entire adult life, building and remodeling homes, helping his married children with house projects and creating beautiful wood projects for his church.

Dick was a swim team coach at the YMCA in Oil City, never missed his daughters' athletic events, was a Free Mason and Shriner, and played the bass drum in several bagpipe bands.

His ever-loving wife, Maxine preceded Dick in death. (It was impossible to say Dick without saying Maxine).

Surviving are their five daughters, Deborah (Howard) Funkhouser, Lynnanne (Steve) Barclay, Louise (Cash) Elston, Lea (Roy) Scott and Denise

(Joe) Skibinski; as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grand children.

There will be a memorial service and Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers at Shenango on the Green for creating a wonderful caring atmosphere for our parents.