Eric W. Carlson

A long life well lived. Eric W. Carlson, 100, passed away peacefully July 13, 2011. Born in Sweden, he came to America at age 6 with his parents John and Hilma Carlson. Entering school without a word of English, he became an English professor later in life! Raised in Worcester, Eric earned his BA in 1932 from Boston Univ., followed by an MA and PhD. In 1938 Eric married Doris Anderson. They shared a love of music, poetry, ideas, nature and world affairs. After various teaching jobs during the Great Depression, Eric and Doris moved to Connecticut in 1942, where Eric taught at the Univ of Conn in Storrs for 38 years, writing numerous books and publications on Poe and Emerson and other authors, retiring in 1979 as Professor Emeritus of English. They built a house, raised 3 children, enjoyed gardening, skating, sports, and were active in the Unitarian Universalist Church. Moving to Briarwood Retirement Community in 1996 to be close to family, Eric and Doris continued a creative life in music and teaching. Doris died in 2006 after 70 years together. Eric enjoyed current events and good conversation, challenging people with his questions. He was self-reliant, with a keen and curious mind and an engaging sense of humor. Learning to use a computer at age 85, he was always working, and had just started a new book before he died. Eric was fond of quoting Henri Bergson: "To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly." Endeared to many friends and relatives who cared lovingly for him, Eric leaves a son Neal and his wife Melanie of Dennis MA; daughters Elinor Carlson of Framingham MA and Carol Carlson of Ashland OR; grandchildren Mona Nolde and her husband Adam of New Haven, Laurel Gaffney and husband Beau of Bronxville NY, Nathan Carlson and wife Anne of Cincinnati OH; and 4 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Ethan, Patrick and Hadley. A memorial service for Eric will be held Thursday, July 21 at 11 am at Briarwood Retirement Community, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., has been chosen to assist the family with arrangements.