Roland Carlson

ROLAND DAVID CARLSON, M.D., 81, of Naples, FL and previously Pepper Pike, OH passed away on June 6, 2014 of a sudden illness. He was born in Cleveland on February 4, 1933. He graduated from Shaker High School then graduated from Cornell University in 1954. He graduated from Cornell Medical School in 1958. He was an intern and resident in surgery at University Hospital. Rollie then served in the Air Force as a Captain, and was awarded the Flight Surgeon of the Year award in 1961. Serving at the Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, he was part of Project Mercury which launched John Glenn into space. Rollie was offered the chance to be an astronaut but opted to stay on earth with his family. Upon leaving the Air Force he specialized in Ophthalmology at The Cleveland Clinic, then went into private practice from 1966- 2004.

As a member of the medical community, he was an officer and director of the Academy of Medicine (1974-79), President of Academy Services (1980-91), Chief of Staff of Huron Road Hospital (1981-84) and was instrumental in the merger of Huron and Hillcrest Hospitals into Meridia Health Systems.

Personally, Rollie’s favorite activities were golf and flying. He was a member of Mayfield and The Country Club in Cleveland, and Pelee Island Club in Canada. In Florida, he was a member of Quail Creek, Royal Poinciana and Port Royal Clubs. He was also actively involved in philanthropy.

Rollie is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Marjorie Schreck Carlson, his children Lynn Carlson Miller (William Ned), David Driver Carlson, William Rob Carlson (Sasha), and his grandchildren Katherine V. Carlson and Marjorie L. G. Carlson. He was predeceased by his parents Einar G. Carlson and Linnea A. Carlson as well as his sister Marilyn and brother William R. Carlson (surviving spouse Bonnie). Rollie is also survived by a large and loving extended family on both his and Margie’s side.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weill Cornell Medical School – Roland D. Carlson Scholarship Fund, 1300 York Ave., New York, N.Y. 10065.

Memorial service on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Church of the Western Reserve, 30500 Fairmount Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH. (44124) at 3 PM. Reception will follow. The family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Rollie at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) WEDNESDAY 4-6 PM. On-line obituary, guestbook and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com