Harry Russell Carter

Harry R Carter, 89, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed quietly on December 13 with his daughters at his side. He grew up in Essex and Westbrook, Connecticut and was the son of the late Harry and Eva (Bloomfield) Carter.

Harry is survived by his devoted children, Cathy Johnson and her husband Jeff who live in San Antonio, Texas, and Rona C McLaughlin and her husband Tom who live in Nashville, Tennessee; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

On October 11, 1947, he married the love of his life Helen Laski. He had watched her walk home many times and stopped to offer her a ride. They spent the next 65 years together as sole mates. Harry was a decorated World War II Air Force Veteran. His specialty was meteorology. During his 29 years of service, Harry, Helen and their daughters spent time in New York, England, Alaska, and finally Springfield, Massachusetts. The family moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut and built the house of their dreams where they lived for over 45 years.

Harry had many careers in his long life. He tried his hand at local politics. Russ (Harry) touched many people’s lives as he drove school buses for the town of Glastonbury for many years. Then he worked for Post Road Stages and Arrow Bus Lines. On any given day of the week, Harry could be found touring people all around New York City. He loved Broadway Shows and going to Amish settlements in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Harry joins his wife Helen, a twin daughter and son who died at birth, mother, father, and sisters, Janet and Evelyn in eternal rest. Harry loved the people he ran into and would say “You can go home now” as he left. Well, now Harry it’s your turn.

There will be a calling hour from 10-11 am on Tuesday, January 15th at Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Immediately followed by burial at St. James Episcopal Cemetery in Glastonbury. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to dedicate a park bench in the new Glastonbury Riverfront Park. Please mail donations to Parks and Rec, Box 6523, Glastonbury, CT 06033, attention Riverfront Park Harry Carter Memorial Bench Fund.