BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT — Brian D. Carlson, a lifelong Bristol, Connecticut, resident who served his country, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and built a career as a machinist, died on January 23, 2026, at the age of 68.
Carlson was born in Bristol on May 3, 1957, to the late Robert and Betty (Peterson) Carlson. His life remained closely connected to the Bristol community, where he attended Bristol Central High School and became known through his family, education, military service and working life.
His death was formally announced through his obituary, which also outlined his military service, career and surviving family members.
Brian Carlson’s Life in Bristol
Born and raised in Bristol, Carlson graduated from Bristol Central High School.
His connection to the community extended beyond his school years. He became an Eagle Scout, an achievement reflecting years of participation and advancement within the Boy Scouts of America.
Carlson later served three years in the United States Army, adding military service to a life that included education, skilled work and community ties.
For many who knew him in Bristol, his story was closely connected to the city where he was born and spent much of his life.
A Career as a Machinist
Carlson worked as a machinist at Parr Manufacturing in Farmington, Connecticut.
His career in manufacturing reflected a practical working life built around skilled labor and technical expertise.
Although much of his professional life was outside Bristol, his roots remained in the city where he was born and educated.
Brian Carlson’s Military Service
Carlson served three years in the U.S. Army.
His military service was an important part of his biography and was recognized as part of the arrangements following his death.
His funeral service was followed by burial with military honors at West Cemetery in Bristol.
Family Remembered Brian Carlson
Carlson was the son of the late Robert and Betty (Peterson) Carlson.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Bridget Grieve-Carlson of Annville, Pennsylvania.
His surviving nieces and nephew include Timothy Grieve-Carlson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Jessye Grieve-Carlson of Baltimore, Maryland; and Grace Grieve-Carlson of Brooklyn, New York.
The family has been left to remember a man whose life stretched across generations and communities, from his Bristol childhood and school years to his military service and professional career.
Brian Carlson Death Cause
The published obituary confirms that Brian Carlson died on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 68.
However, the obituary does not disclose a cause of death.
No specific illness, accident or other medical circumstance should therefore be presented as the reason for his death unless the family or another authoritative source later provides that information.
Funeral and Burial
Funeral services for Brian Carlson were held at Funk Funeral Home in Bristol.
A visitation was scheduled for February 6, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol.
The funeral service followed on February 7 at 10 a.m. at the same location.
Burial took place at West Cemetery in Bristol with military honors.
The arrangements provided family members, relatives and friends an opportunity to gather in remembrance of Carlson and honor his life and military service.
Remembering a Bristol Native
Brian Carlson’s life included several defining chapters: growing up in Bristol, graduating from Bristol Central High School, becoming an Eagle Scout, serving three years in the U.S. Army and working as a machinist at Parr Manufacturing.
His obituary also reflects the geographic reach of his family, with surviving relatives living in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.
At the center of his story, however, was Bristol, the Connecticut community where he was born and where his life began.
Brian Carlson Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brian D. Carlson |
| Age | 68 |
| Birth date | May 3, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Bristol, Connecticut |
| Date of death | January 23, 2026 |
| Residence | Bristol, Connecticut |
| Parents | Robert and Betty (Peterson) Carlson |
| Education | Bristol Central High School |
| Achievement | Eagle Scout |
| Military service | U.S. Army, 3 years |
| Occupation | Machinist |
| Employer | Parr Manufacturing, Farmington |
| Brother | Gary Grieve-Carlson |
| Sister-in-law | Bridget Grieve-Carlson |
| Nephew | Timothy Grieve-Carlson |
| Nieces | Jessye Grieve-Carlson and Grace Grieve-Carlson |
| Funeral home | Funk Funeral Home, Bristol |
| Visitation | February 6, 2026, 5–7 p.m. |
| Funeral service | February 7, 2026, 10 a.m. |
| Burial | West Cemetery, Bristol |
| Military honors | Yes |
| Cause of death | Not disclosed in the published obituary |
Latest Update
Brian D. Carlson died January 23, 2026, at age 68 and was subsequently remembered through a formal obituary and funeral service in Bristol.
His obituary documents a life rooted in Bristol, marked by his education at Bristol Central High School, Eagle Scout achievement, three years of Army service and career as a machinist at Parr Manufacturing.
His family continues to carry his memory, while the published obituary does not provide a specific cause of death.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available obituary and memorial information. The cause of Brian Carlson’s death has not been stated in the published obituary and has not been speculated upon here. Funeral and family information may be updated if additional details are released by his relatives or funeral home.