William W. Carlson

Bill attended Cardinal Mindszenty and went on to graduate from Dunkirk High School with the class of 1973. Bill was always an entrepreneur and worked a variety of jobs in his youth. He attained a degree in hotel management and worked as a chef at the Holiday Inn and then at the Matador, a fine dining restaurant in Jamestown. He went on to work at Lake City Sales as a distributor throughout Chautauqua County. He then settled in as an employee of Al Tech Specialty Metals from which he retired after 25 years.

It was then that Bill entered into the profession that he became known for throughout the county, real estate. He started with Northern Chautauqua Realty and Coldwell Banker however joining Howard Hanna Holt Realty as a licensed broker associate is what brought him his greatest success. Bill built a solid reputation as a dedicated agent who was well respected. Through hard work and determination Bill developed a large clientele for residential sales and also became a top commercial property realtor.

He was the recipient of Howard Hanna’s “Best of the Best”, a repeat National Sales Excellence Award winner, he received Top Producer through consecutive years, and was a consistent Multi-Million Dollar Producer. Bill was also honored as a consecutive Chautauqua County Board of Realtors “Diamond Award Winner” and was a President Circle Award Winner. He absolutely loved his job. Through his strong work ethic Bill gained the respect of the community in which he worked, his colleagues with whom he forged close personal relationships, and the Howard Hanna Holt company in which he was so proud to be a part of.

Bill was also one of the founding board members of the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation which focuses on community revitalization. As an extension of his real estate endeavors, he was proud to serve on the nonprofit group established under the NYS authority whose mission is to address neglected, foreclosed, and abandoned properties.

Bill had other passions that he devoted many years to. Having joined in 1973, Bill was a 47 year member of the Hose Company 4 Volunteer Firemen. He was bestowed the honor of Fireman of the Year in the mid to late 1970s. Bill would fondly recall bunking at the station and would reminisce about all of the shenanigans, parades, and parties. He formed lifelong friendships that he held deep in his heart. He so enjoyed and looked forward to the biannual banquets to celebrate the lifelong camaraderie of these close friends.

Bill also had a true love for drum corp. He marched for over 25 years with the Murraymen Drum Corp, the Dunkirk Exempts, and with the Erie Thunderbirds. Originally playing snare in the drum line he was known more for his incredible talent at playing the cymbals. Holding them high above his head, twirling them around, and clashing them together at just the right moment is remembered by all who saw him march. He was considered to be one of the best cymbal players in Chautauqua County. Bill would tell stories about how, on some holidays, they would march in two or three parades. Again, Bill forged lifelong friendships that he cherished to this day.

Bill also enjoyed sports. He was a true blue Yankee fan and when a game he watched turned out the way he wanted he would proclaim “Yankees win, Yankees win!” The Buffalo Sabres held his devotion as well. He took various road trips with his children and son-in-law to see them play the New York Islanders and North Carolina. In February of this year he traveled with his fiance, Leslie, to see the Sabres play at the new Golden Knights arena in Las Vegas. The night before the game they attended the Sabres Road Crew party meeting and talking with players like Danny Gare, Rene’ Robert, and Rob Ray.

Hockey was close to his heart and Bill never missed the opportunity to see his own son, Chad, who played since he was a youth, continue to play on the ice at Fredonia State in the men’s hockey league. Bill’s heart was soon full of pride once again. His oldest grandson, Charlie, continued the interest in playing hockey and evolved into a burgeoning force on the ice. Grandpa Bill so enjoyed going to the youth games and watching as Charlie would take to the ice and score!

However, for Bill, there was no greater passion in sport than that for his Buffalo Bills As a season ticket holder he held a childlike excitement when attending the home games. He planned the tailgate menu and would wake up super early to get on the road and get to the stadium. He took his children and son-in-law to the Canton Hall of Fame game in 2009 when the Bills played and Ralph Wilson and Bruce Smith were inducted. And Bill was right on board with the Bill’s Booster club, an organization in which he was completely involved in and remained active with for a great number of years. Bill also went to two of the Super Bowls the Bills played in the early 1990s.

Above all Bill was a family man. He had a strong love for his three children and was always there to support them in any way he could. He took a great interest in their lives and was a dedicated and loving father. He was very proud as each of his children went forward in life and entered their professions and grew to be successful and independent. His greatest pride were his four grandson. Watching them grow and spending time with them brought him the greatest joys of his life. They truly were the greatest gift.

Bill also love to travel. He and his fiance, Leslie, traveled extensively over the past decade. They took cruises to 10 islands in the Caribbean, drove through Utah and Arizona, went to San Diego, Boston, Chicago, Daytona, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and more. They were always seen out and about the town. They loved to hear the local bands, be down at the Pier, and meet relatives and friends for an evening of fun. They were socially active and inseparable. And they enjoyed a wide circle of close friends with whom they’d spend their time.

Bill Carlson was a man who gave to his community, enjoy every facet of life, was a devout Catholic, and led his life with a generosity to others. He always had a sparkle in his eye, a contagious smile, a gentle nature. A handsome man with a gentle and humble nature Bill truly cared about and enjoyed people. He was always easy to chat with and sincere in his friendships and to those he loved. He had an easy charm and a gift of gab. He lived life with the excitement of a child. Bill was a guy everyone enjoyed seeing and being around. He was a good man who lived a good life in an honorable fashion. Bill will be greatly missed. He was a respected pillar in our community and there was so much left undone.

Bill was a former member of Sacred Heart Parish and of Blessed Mary Angela. He is a member of the Church of St. Hedwig’s, and Holy Trinity. He remains a member of Hose Company 4 Volunteer Firemen and the Chautauqua County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He maintained memberships in the National Association of Realtors, the New York State Association of Realtors, the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors, and is a Board member of the Land Bank Association.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Carlson. He is survived by his loving mother, Louise Carlson; his fiance and love of his life, Leslie Long; his daughter, Malinda (Phil) Wolf; his sons: Shane (Kristy McFarland) Carlson and Chad Carlson. He is also survived by his four beloved grandsons: Charlie Wolf, Jack Wolf, Wyatt Carlson and Colt Carlson. Surviving are also many nieces and nephews; and his loving fur babies: Colby, his cat, and Mya, his rescue chocolate lab.

Memorials may be made to the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) at unos.org or to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue in Westfield (canine rescue.org).

Friends and family may call Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 from 2-7 p.m., at LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, N.Y. Due to COVID REGULATIONS masks will be required, Capacity is limited due to NYS COVID regulations, please expect delays.

A private funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome. com.