In Memory of

Gary

D.

Carlsen

Obituary for Gary D. Carlsen

Dateline – Galway, NY
Gary D. Carlsen, age 55, of Achilles Lane, died unexpectedly at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 5, 2018 after a long and valiant battle with prostate cancer. He was born on November 6, 1962 in Grahamsville, NY and was the son of the late Frank and Beverly (Allen) Carlsen. Gary was a graduate of Tri-Valley Central High School, class of 1980. He earned his associate degree at SUNY Delhi. Gary had a rewarding career as a corrections officer at the NYS Department of Corrections as well as the union, New York State Correctional Officer Police Benevolent Association. He proudly dedicated 34 years of service to law enforcement during which he protected and served the public and his fellow officers. He was well-known and admired among his superiors and co-workers. Gary’s first priority was always to be an exceptional dad and loving husband, which he did faithfully and unconditionally. He loved taking his family camping, teaching his kids new skills, and sitting by the campfire with Deb, the love of his life. He was always there to take his kids and their friends to any concert they wanted to attend. Gary earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and became a staple of the local Boy Scout troop when his son joined. He attended countless gymnastics classes and cross country meets with his daughters, always there to encourage and support them. Gary loved long bike rides in the sun, growing vegetables in his backyard garden, and working on any and all types of technology.
He married his loving wife, Deborah “Deb” Oboyski Carlsen on April 29, 1989. He was the loving father of Shane (Megan Dill) Carlsen, Lindsey Carlsen, and Julia Carlsen; awesome brother of Kurt (Kim) Carlsen and Dale Carlsen. Gary loved his wife’s family like his own and he will be missed by his mother-in-law, Anne K. (Slyer) Oboyski and sisters and brothers-in-law, Katherine Oboyski-Butler and Robert Butler, Tracy Oboyski Grant, Christine Oboyski Bolton and William Bolton, and Joseph Oboyski. Gary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of much loved extended family and friends. Gary was predeceased by his brother Keith Carlsen, his parents, Frank and Beverly Carlsen, and his father-in-law Richard E. Oboyski. Gary will be remembered as World's Greatest Dad.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY.
Help the family to thank and honor David Shaffer, MD, Ph.D., who provided exceptional and compassionate care to Gary and his family, by donating to Albany Medical Center Hospital in honor of Dr. David Shaffer, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. More information to be found at the link below.