Obituary of Eugene Thomas Carlson

Obituary On Thursday, September 26, 2019 Eugene Thomas Carlson Jr., a loving Son, Father, Papa, Fiancé and Friend, passed away at North West Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. Gene was born on November 1st 1962 in Brooklyn, New York to his mother Marie Carlson (Sollitto). Gene spent the majority of his life in Brooklyn, New York where he attended school and played stickball against other neighborhoods. Gene along with his friends and cousins, used to love to angle an empty tin can over the “Johnny pump” and spray people walking and any cars attempting to drive through the block party during the hot Brooklyn summers. As time would progress, Gene became a Correctional Officer at the New York City Department of Corrections where he retired due to a line of duty injury. During the 2000 World Series, where his beloved Yankees dominated the lowly Mets, he moved to Tucson Arizona. During his time in Tucson, Gene would love to dominate the “young punks” in hockey, baseball and slow pitch softball for years and would let them know about it too. Once Gene stopped playing sports, he used that same passion in his time on the shooting range, educating others about firearms, and home improvements that he and his beloved fiancé shared. From the beginning of his time in Tucson up until his passing, Gene worked as a School Bus Driver for the Amphitheater School District, but was so much more than that to the children and families he encountered. Gene built connections with all of the kids on his bus and would even follow up with them as they advanced through their lives as children to young adults. Gene had a passion for anything New York including his aforementioned Yankees, the New York Giants, and the New York Rangers. He enjoyed collecting (and shooting as previously mentioned) firearms, working out, and eating sushi with those he loved (although he was known to bring a baggy to dispose of excess rice). Gene was a natural protector, tough as nails and anyone who was around him knew they were safe as they could possibly be but rugged as Gene portrayed himself to be he was known to most as having the biggest heart, a compassionate spirit and amazing sense of humor. Gene was somebody who would say he didn’t enjoy dealing with people but would talk to anyone, about anything for what seemed like an eternity and leave a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Nothing meant more to Gene than his family. He had an extraordinary love for his fur-babies Prince, Brooklyn and Laney. He was a proud Father and Papa, a devoted Fiancé/soulmate and the most loyal friend anyone could have ever dreamed of. Gene is preceded in death by his beloved mother Marie Carlson (Sollitto), Aunt Francis O’Brien (Sollitto) and Uncle Frank Sollitto. He is survived by his Fiancé Kim Tonery, Son Nick Carlson, Granddaughter’s Lily and Sophia Carlson, Sister Carol Ann Sharkey, niece Danielle Sharkey, and several Cousins, Aunts and Uncles. A visitation will be held at Oasis Funeral Home on Friday, October 4th 2019 from 5pm-7pm. Flowers may be sent to Oasis Cremation & Funeral Care at 1687 W Prince Rd #101 Tucson, AZ 85705. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene Thomas Carlson, Jr, please visit our floral store.