John Joseph Carson, Sr.

John Joseph Carson, age 93, of Valencia, PA, formerly of Gerrish Island, Kittery, ME, Portland, ME, Exeter, NH, Titusville, PA, San Diego, CA, Concord, MA and Potomac, MD, died peacefully on November 17, 2023 at his residence in Valencia. 

John was born on February 6, 1930 in New York City, New York to Christopher N. and Catherine L. Carson. He was predeceased by his brother, Christopher N. Carson, and former wife, Therese McNelis Carson. John met his wife, Janice, while working for Aerojet General. They were married in September of 1980. Jan passed away five days after John, on November 22, 2023. John leaves behind a son Jack Carson, and his wife Kathy Carson, of Fremont, NH, daughter Collette Carson, and her husband Jeff Porter, of Pelham, NH, and son Bill Carson, and his fiancée Kim Chase, of Kingston, NH, his stepdaughter Linda Tessmer and her husband Dave Tessmer, of Wexford, PA, his sister-in-law Karen Watts, and her husband Jim Watts, of Lacey, WA. He also leaves grandchildren Meredith Carson of Lewiston, ME and her fiancé Tom Gibney, Brett Carson and his wife Jen Carson, of Salem, NH,  Matthew Carson of Washington DC, Nicholas Carson of Portsmouth, NH, Justin Carson of Kingston, NH, Michael Porter of Salem, NH,  Daniel Porter of Pelham, NH, Lisa Creamer, and her husband Tim Creamer, of Pittsburgh, PA, Ashley Dey, and her husband Eric Dey, of Brunswick, OH, and Ryan Tessmer of Wexford, PA, and 12 great-grandchildren.

John had an outgoing personality and a constant smile on his face. John was dedicated to his faith, his country and his family. He committed his life to service of the United States of America and the Catholic Church, and was devoted to his children. John was not afraid of taking the bull by the horns, and was loved for his desire to help in any situation. 

John graduated from All Hallows High School in New York City on June 20, 1947, attended Manhattan College, MIT, and graduated as a midshipman from the United States Naval Academy in 1954 with an engineering degree.  His work history revolved around the aerospace industry, working for the Mitre Corp, Aerojet General Corporation, and Carson Associates. He was involved in the development and integration of the NORAD air defense system, and worked on the Apollo space program. John was a veteran of the Cold War and an adviser to the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

John was an avid skier and sailor. He spent time directing the United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association, and started the Buddy Warner Ski Racing League in Massachusetts. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol for many years. The family had many sailing adventures on his sailboats the Santa Maria, Defiance and Forthright. It was not uncommon to be woken from our beds to gather our gear, stop for donuts, and head to the ocean while the small craft warnings were up. 

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 10:30 am until the time of funeral mass at 11 am in St. Richard Church (Saints Martha and Mary Parish), 3841 Dickey Rd, Gibsonia, PA 15044. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11 am in St. Raphael Church (Ascension of the Lord Parish), 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, Maine 03904. Arrangements entrusted to the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sea Scouts of America, 1500 Bodwell Road, Manchester, NH 03109. Online condolences may be given at www.jobefuneralhome.com.

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