ALTAMONT — A patriot and principled man who valued faith and civic duty, Harry Carlson helped engineer the state’s highway system.

He died on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 with his family by his side. He was 92.

“He was born on Oct. 5, 1931 to Lydia and James Carlson in the rural farming community of Copake, New York,” his family wrote in a tribute. “His childhood allowed him a freedom of adventure that helped foster a love of learning and desire to explore, traits that would come to shape his entire life.

“Harry graduated from Roeliff Jansen High School in 1949 and went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a member of 93rd Engineering Battalion - Construction. A true patriot, he was immensely proud to have served his country.

“He joined the New York State Department of Transportation in 1963, embarking on a 33-year career engineering the state’s highway system. He retired in 1994 as regional director covering Syracuse and surrounding counties. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and accolades as evidence of not only his dedication to his profession, but also the respect he garnered from his peers.

“Harry was a principled man who highly valued faith and civic duty. He served his various communities as a scoutmaster, Town of Kirkwood Planning Board member, president of the Windsor Central School Board, and head of the Vestry at the Church of the Good Shepherd and at Zion Episcopal Church. No matter his role or title, he was recognized for being honest, forthright, and resilient.

“Engineers, by nature, are curious people. From the plants in his garden to ancient Roman architecture, Harry needed to know not just how something worked, but why it worked, when it worked, and who it worked for. His thirst for knowledge led him to explore a wide array of hobbies including hunting, fishing, hiking, sailing, and winemaking.

“He loved to study religion, history, and science, and kept a vast library. He traveled often, visiting at least 45 countries in the years after his professional retirement. But he also enjoyed the simpler side of life: reading the paper in the morning, a long walk through the neighborhood, and a good turkey sandwich. Always an optimist, he appreciated the world for what it was, even as he endlessly pushed to make it better.

“In 1953, Harry married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Anna Nelson, and they together raised three children. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, and brothers, James and John. He is survived by his children James (Cindy) Carlson, Susan (Robert) Edwards and Christopher (Gail) Carlson as well as his very much adored grandchildren, Tim (Shelby), Ian, Kimberly, Brian, Alexandra, Amanda, and Haley as well as two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Gemma, many nieces and nephews, and his brother-in-law and very good friend, Edgar Muth.”

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Calling hours will be held Friday, March 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals at 343 New Karner Road in Colonie.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church at 5148 Western Ave. in Guilderland.

Memorial contributions may be given in his name to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. 

Interment will be announced at a later date.