Paul Homan Carlson ."
Paul Homan Carlson passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
He was 98 years old. Paul was born October 5, 1916
to Paul and Lottie Homan Carlson in Renovo, Clinton County, Pennsylvania.
He graduated from Academy High School in Erie
and was drafted into World War II in 1941; eventually serving in both the European and Pacific theaters. He was awarded the Purple Heart. His life's work and commitments are a prime example of the expression, "The Greatest Generation." He married Dorothy "Mitzi" Mozdy. After the war, Paul enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh under the G.I. Bill, majoring in Civil Engineering. He graduated first in his class with magna cum laude overall distinction. Alcoa Aluminum recognized Paul's talents by hiring him and eventually sending him to Suriname, Dutch West Guinea to design and build a plant to process bauxite, the principle source of aluminum. He and Dorothy loved the spirit of living in this amazing country; as they both relished the challenge of adventure and travel. Driving to the local market was punctuated by waiting for a twelve foot python to "cross the road". Returning to the States, he continued his work with Alcoa and also rose through the ranks of the Army reserves, attaining the rank of Major. When he retired from Alcoa, he and Dorothy returned to Erie. Sadly, Dorothy passed away shortly after the joys of retirement were being enjoyed by both. But, the call to travel and see the world continued with Paul. He and his friends would think nothing of flying to Russia, boating down the Volga River, and exploring whatever came for the next three weeks. Paul was a distinguished and intelligent gentleman; loved and respected by so many. Everyone appreciated Paul's warm personality. His friendship, kindness, and generosity will be missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his brother, Donald (Denver, Colorado), his brother, Porter (Malvern, Pa.); and by Erie nephews, Phil Fatica (Kathy) and Norm Slomski (Bernie). Other surviving nieces and nephews include in Colorado: Janet Drummond (Jim), David Carlson (Marie), Karen Bishop (Bill), Judy Conn (Bill), Holly Stevens (Randy), and in Pennsylvania: Heidi Carlson (John) and Eric Carlson (Laura). He is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in January at a date to be announced at Springhill Senior Living, where friends and family will gather to laugh and tell stories about the man who was a retired Army Major, civil engineer, University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Steelers supporter, and Clark Gable look-alike. There is no viewing. A private interment was held at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Because You Care Dog Shelter, 6041 West Road, McKean, PA 16426. Arrangements were entrusted to the Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2101 Ash St.