Hudson, MA
Richard “Rick” A. Karlson, 49, of Hudson, Massachusetts passed away suddenly Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Reservoir Rehabilitation Center in Marlborough. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of Jane (Landini) Karlson, 75 and the late Roy Karlson.
Rick graduated from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in 1983 and has been working in carpentry and construction since his graduation. He specialized in custom finished carpentry, was self-employed for many years, and was most recently working for F.H. Perry Builder, Inc. based out of Hopkinton, MA. He took great pride in his work, and thoroughly enjoyed what he did.
Rick was a private, yet public man. For many years he had impacted the children of Hudson through his endless volunteer work for Hudson Youth Football and Cheerleading, Hudson Youth Baseball and Softball, and Hudson Recreation. For eight years he was the president of Hudson Youth Football and Cheerleading, spent countless hours positively impacting those who participated in the program, and is still known by many as “Coach Rick.” He also proudly represented Hudson at the regional level as a board member of Central Mass Youth Football. When he passed, he was the President of the Hudson High School Booster Club, still impacting all involved in Hudson sports.
Rick was most importantly a loving family man. Above all, he loved his wife, and both of his sons. He was forever proud of his children and their actions. Out of all the things he accomplished in life, he truly believed that his greatest achievement was his children. He was their father, coach, and best friend, all in one. He was always supportive, and wanted the best for them. His presence will be missed, but his impact will be apparent for the rest of their lives. He will be greatly missed by a large extended family, many dear friends and the Town of Hudson, the community he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Brenda (Wagner) Karlson, his sons Randy Karlson, Erik Karlson, his mother Jane Karlson, his sister, Kim Scott and her husband Jason, of Portsmouth, NH, and his brother, Roy Karlson, of Marlborough, MA.
Family and friends may attend a calling hour on Thursday, Feb. 12th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Inc. 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. A celebration of Rick’s life will follow at 11: a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Karlson Family Fund, c/o Avidia Bank, 42 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749.