Leon J. Carlson

Leon J. Carlson, 93, (formerly of Norwich, NY) passed away peacefully at the Eddy Village Green in Cohoes, NY with his beloved wife and family by his side.

Born on October 29, 1929, in Jamestown, NY, he was the son of the late August and Helen (Emo) Carlson. He graduated from the Frewsburg High School in 1947. He proudly served in the Korean War from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1952. Leon received a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and master’s degree in 1958 in Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. It was there that he met the love of his life Marion V. Borne. On June 12, 1956, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Binghamton, NY, Leon married Marion. They celebrated 67 wonderfully cherished years of marriage together.

Leon was a passionate student and educator. He went on to earn a second master’s of science degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1968. He began his working career as the Assistant County Agent in Allegany County before earning a high school teaching position in Binghamton in 1958. In 1967, Leon and his family moved to Norwich where he worked as a cherished teacher and guidance counselor at Norwich High School before he retired in 1987. He was a celebrated member of the Chenango County Retired Teachers’ Association.

Leon is fondly remembered as he was such an active member in the community of Norwich. He was long time devoted member of the Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 189, the VFW Post 2782, the Chenango Bird Club, and the Chenango Chapter NYS Archaeological Association. Leon taught the AARP “55 ALIVE” Defensive Driving Course, and was a devout member and lector at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

Leon enjoyed gardening with his wife, cross country road trips with his family, playing games with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading, and being in the outdoors.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marion V. Borne; dear brother, Eugene Carlson, (married to Elaine), of Jamestown, NY; four children, Joseph Carlson (married to Thomasita) of Susquehanna, PA, John Carlson (married to Sandra) of Cornish Flatts, NH, Thomas Carlson, of Norwich, NY, and Mary Cuerbo (married to the late Robert Cuerbo), of Old Chatham, NY. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Christopher Carlson, Adriane Keaney (married to Colin), Erica Cuerbo, Alex Cuerbo, Amanda Cuerbo, Cassandra Carlson, Benjamin Carlson, and Christian Carlson; cherished great-grandchildren, Owen Keaney, Logan Keaney, Francescantonio Barone, and Chiara Marion Barone; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Neil Carlson; and son-in-law, Robert Cuerbo.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Leon will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023, at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the spring of 2023. Family and friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, January 29, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Donations in Leon’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 30 Pleasant St., Norwich, NY 13815.