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Eric John Carlson of Ashburn, Virginia, died December 14th, 2025 at the age of 82. Born March 22, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Adolf Ture Carlson and Kathleen ("Kitty") Blackburn, Eric is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Dore Carlson; his two children Tim and Monica Carlson; daughter-in-law Erika Carlson; son-in-law Alan Brain; and his three beautiful granddaughters Ella, Caroline, and Hannah Carlson.
Eric Carlson spent his youth growing up in Abington, Pennsylvania with his sister Judy and brother Greg. He graduated from Penn State University in 1965 and was a lifelong fan of Penn State football. A career diplomat, he proudly and humbly served his country for over five decades, including postings overseas in Prague, Czechoslovakia; Vienna, Austria; Bucharest, Romania; and Geneva, Switzerland; as well as Washington D.C. His family embraced the foreign service lifestyle and bonded strongly over their European travels, cultural adventures, and challenging moves. Between their overseas postings, Eric and his family made their home in Vienna, Virginia.
Eric and Mary Ann retired in Williamsburg in 2000, and soon thereafter welcomed their rescue Cairn terrier Stevie. Eric finally fulfilled his desire to be a teacher and worked as a foreign service training instructor for approximately 18 years after retirement, continuing his service to the United States. Eric and Mary Ann built their dream home with a beautiful garden and a dock on the James River for their pontoon boat. Williamsburg brought many years of joyful family moments, sunsets on the dock, and wonderful friendships for Eric and Mary Ann.
Eric was an engaged and adoring father to Monica and Tim. He was serious about the importance of education, a disciplined work ethic, and good decision making. Just as importantly, he was also the family jokester and kept our lives full of laughter and levity. His most cherished role in life, however, was being a devoted husband to Mary Ann who he loved unconditionally. Together they could handle anything that life threw at them.
Eric Carlson passed away peacefully listening to Buddy Holly, surrounded by love in the presence of his wife and soul mate of 53 years, Mary Ann, his daughter Monica, and his son Tim. Eric battled a number of debilitating ailments in the last years of his life, but he never let them take his zest, his positivity, or his humor.
Eric will be profoundly missed by those who knew him. He showed us all how to live with integrity, love deeply, and find joy even in life's challenges—lessons his family will carry forward always to honor his memory.