Leroy W. Carlson
Leroy W. Carlson, 81, former Town of Gardiner Supervisor and relative of Addison Gardiner, the man our town is named for, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 8, 2021. He was married to the love of his life for 54 years and truly lived a life of service. As a Life Member of the Gardiner Fire Department for over 44 years, he held several titles including Founding Member of the Ambulance and was the last President of the Rescue Squad before it was absorbed into the fire department. An active Boy Scout from age 5, he remained involved with Troop 79 (their logo was 79 with a “T” in the middle) helping hundreds of boys attain their Eagle Scout Award. As a volunteer he helped to build the Employee Assistance Program for SUNY New Paltz employees with substance abuse issues locally, and later was asked to expand the program statewide for all NYS employees. Leroy loved genealogy and was always willing to help others research their family history. He was the Registrar for Sons of the American Revolution, Columbia Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter and was nationally recognized for his exceptional efforts assisting families tracing and verifying lineage to the American Revolution.
In a 2020 Gardiner Gazette article written by Alan Rothman, Leroy’s connection to Addison Gardiner was explored. Among other interesting predecessors, Leroy had researched Thomas Gardner (b.1618 in England), who he found to be his common ancestor with Addison Gardiner, and discovered that he was Addison Gardiner’s 4th cousin, six times removed. When asked why the town of Gardiner was created and named after Addison Gardiner, Leroy explained that, “In 1853, the area was growing, and it was a busy place, one of the fastest growing areas. They decided it was so large that they needed to split it off. Gardiner was created from the towns of Plattekill, New Paltz, and Rochester.” According to Leroy, “It was political payback, probably for a favor.” We honor his memory and his service to the Town of Gardiner. To read his formal obituary: copelandhammerl.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=21373677#
Article main photo by Rolf Schweizer Fotografie.