David Robert Carlson

David was born July 24, 1937 in New Haven, Connecticut to Walter and Kathleen Carlson, and was raised in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Dave majored in electrical engineering at the University of Cincinnati and Stanford University. He was a skilled pianist and loved to play the music of his favorite jazz pianists, Scott Joplin and Fats Waller.

Before beginning his long career in engineering, Dave proudly served six years in the United States Navy as a Submarine Radio Technician, and was active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked for NDC Technologies as an electrical engineer for the majority of his working life where his job allowed him to travel the world.

Dave spent the last 26 years of his life with his partner, Helen Rael Giddens, in Fresno, California. Dave loved cross-country motorcycle rides, swimming, tinkering with computers and reading the morning newspapers particularly, The Wall Street Journal. His love of music was a constant in his life. He enjoyed attending the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra's concerts at the Saroyan Theatre, and continued to practice at the piano much to the delight of his family.

He is survived by his partner, Helen Rael Giddens; daughter, Kacee Carlson Epstein and husband Jason; granddaughter, Kirsten Cox; former spouse, Frances Carlson; brother, Donald Carlson; sister, Margery Carlson; Helen’s children, Chris Wiehl and spouse, Caroline; Page Pastore and spouse, Larry; Richard L. Giddens and partner, Angela; and grandchildren, Michael, Natalie and Christo Wiehl, and Nicole and Cameron Pastore.

He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Merrilee Carlson Hill, and brother-in-law, Sandy Hill.

At his request, no services will be held.