Robert D. Carlson

Watervliet – Robert D. Carlson, 83, former Mayor of the City of Watervliet, died peacefully at the Samaritan Hospital, with his Loving family by his side, on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Born in Green Island, son of the late Robert and Marie Foley Carlson, he moved to Watervliet as a child, where he resided for the rest of his life.

Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s.  He was a graduate of St. Brigid’s School in Watervliet, La Salle Institute in Troy and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Union College in Schenectady.  He was a licensed NYS Professional Engineer, working for NYSDOT for 36 years, retiring in 1998.

Bob was elected to the Watervliet City Council in 1991, where he served until being elected Watervliet Mayor in 1996, serving until 2007.  While serving as Mayor, some of Bob’s accomplishments included starting the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, procuring the Hudson Shores Park from New York State, initiating the Banner program showcasing Veterans throughout the city, and reconstructing the Veterans’ Memorial Park.  In addition, he arranged for the purchase of the North Reform Dutch Church which has become the home of the Watervliet Historical Society.  Also, he loved bringing to the Citizens the yearly July 4th Party along with Fireworks on a Barge in the Hudson River.  

Bob was the longest serving Democratic Committeeman in Watervliet for over 50 years. He was the Democratic Chairman from 1996 to 2007 and again from 2021 to 2023.  Moreover, he served as an Officer on the Albany County Democratic Committee. 

He was a longtime communicant of the former Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet, where he served as an usher until its closing.  He was a member and past president of the Watervliet Rotary Club, becoming a “Paul Harris” Fellow; a member of the Board of Directors of the Watervliet Civic Center; a member of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks and the Watervliet Knights of Columbus.  While busy raising his five children, he was President of the Watervliet Little League, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Pop Warner Leagues, and the Football Booster Clubs at both Christian Brothers Academy and Siena College.

Bob was the recipient of the Watervliet Senior Citizens Center “Humanitarian” Award and the Albany County Young Democrats “Forever Young Democrat” Award.

His love of the New York Giants was unwavering, convincing his children and grandchildren to become avid fans, as well.

He is survived by his Beautiful Bride of 60 years, Carol Mardigan Carlson; his devoted Children, Rob (Patricia Donahue) Carlson of Watervliet; Jennifer Kimber of Chittenango, NY; Craig (Susan) Carlson of Watervliet; Courtney (John) Rees of Sarasota, FL; and Nicole (Stephen) Swinton of Niskayuna.  He was the cherished Grandfather of Samantha, Joshua and Joel Kimber; Kit, Daniel, Maxwell and Nora Jane Rees; and Jack and Will Swinton.  He is also survived by his Brother, William (Marsha) Carlson of Watervliet, and his Brother-in-Law, George (Beverly) Mardigan; his Sister-in-Law, Deborah (David) Jehnsen; and several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4-7 PM. 

A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College on Saturday at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers and because of Bob’s devotion to his Community, his Family has requested that contributions be made to the Watervliet Civic Center, 102 14th Street, Watervliet, NY 12189; the Watervliet Senior Citizen Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet, NY 12189; or the Watervliet Historical Society, PO Box 246, Watervliet, NY 12189.

Mass of Christian Burial celebrated February 18, 2023 at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, Siena College.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert D. Carlson, please visit our floral store.