Richard J. Carlson

Richard J. Carlson, 80, of Rockford passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 in his home after a short illness.nbsp; Born March 18, 1932 in Rockford, the son of Vernor and Elsie Carlson. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1949.nbsp; He married Phyllis White in Zion Lutheran Church on May 7, 1954.nbsp; He served in the Army during the Korean War as an instructor at Fort Knox and was honorably discharged after serving from 1952 to 1954.nbsp; Richard worked at Tobinson Paint and Hardware, spent many years in sales and management with Pitney Bowes, Midwest Scale, Paul Reilly Co. and finished his career with MEE, Material Handling Equipment.nbsp; He was in sales all of his adult life which put him in contact with many people in the community and businesses throughout Northern Illinois.nbsp; He was a 32 nd degree Mason, member of Tebala Shrine serving as Potentate Aide, member of the Pyramid Club and the Lombardi Club.nbsp;

Survived by his wife, Phyllis; sons, Craig (Lynn) and Scott Carlson; daughter, Karen (Ryan) Thompson; grandchildren, Tyler and Kaitlyn Carlson and Emily and Michael Thompson.nbsp; Predeceased by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, with Rev. David Meggers officiating.nbsp; Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of service on Friday.nbsp; Burial in Arlington Memorial Park.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.nbsp;