Elliott Reinold Carlson, 88, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, in Wilmington, Massachusetts. He was born on November 15, 1937, in Marathon, Iowa, the son of the late Rev. Emil and Ada (Hegstrom) Carlson.

Elliott earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University, and his Ph.D from Boston University. After a brief stint with the MBTA as a young man, he devoted much of his professional life to education at Malden High School in Malden, Massachusetts, serving over the course of his career as a chemistry teacher, Dean of Studies, and assistant principal.

Faith and service were important parts of Elliott's life. He was active in church throughout his lifetime and served as a licensed lay pastor in the former Lutheran Church in America. Later, at Emanuel Episcopal Church in Boston, he served as chair of the discernment committee, helping to guide and support candidates as they explored calls to ordained ministry.

For many years, Elliott lived with Ann, his wife of nearly 60 years, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He had a lifelong curiosity about the world and enjoyed traveling, stamp collecting, and genealogy. In recent years, he made his home at The Fitch Home in Melrose, where he became part of a caring and supportive community.

Elliott is survived by his wife, Ann (Gordon) Carlson; his sister, Elizabeth Henry of New Windsor, New York; his brother, H. Earl Carlson and his wife, Helen (Phillips), of Nashua, New Hampshire; his sister-in-law, Marie (Blunda) Carlson of Manchester, Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, C. Edwin Carlson and Emil Eugene Carlson; and his sister, Eloise (Leisk).

Elliott's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of The Fitch Home in Melrose for the friendship, kindness, and care they provided him, as well as to the staff of CareOne in Wilmington for their compassionate care. In addition, gratitude is expressed to the community of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Lynnfield for the friendship, support, and spiritual comfort they offered Elliott in his final years.

Family and friends will gather to remember Elliott's life at Waterside Cemetery, 294 W. Shore Dr., Marblehead, on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10 am followed by his Funeral Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 127 Summer St, Lynnfield, at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Fitch Home, 75 Lake Avenue, Melrose, MA or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 127 Summer St., Lynnfield, MA.