Robert J. Carson, 61

SMYRNA - Robert J. Carson of Smyrna, passed away at home Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009. He was 61. Bob was born Feb. 14, 1948, in Dover, the son of the late James H. Carson Jr. and Peggy Jeanne Ennis Carson. He worked for Verizon for 30 years before retiring as a supervisor and was presently employed as a Legislative Aide in the Delaware Senate. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting and gardening. Bob was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and University of Delaware Football. He was a Past Chief and Life member of the Clayton Fire Department and was named "Fireman of the Year" in 1974. Bob was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Smyrna, Harmony Lodge 13 AF&AM in Smyrna, the Smyrna Rotary Club, the 28th/14th Democrats Club, the American Legion David C. Harrison Post 14 in Smyrna and a former member and coach in the Smyrna-Clayton Little League. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rosanna Ryan Carson; three children, J. Gregory Carson of Jacksonville, Fla., Stefanie C. Donovan and her husband, Thomas of Dover, and Matthew R. Carson and his wife Christi, also of Jacksonville; and three grandchildren, Olivia R., Emma R. and Ava C. Donovan, all of Dover. Services with Fireman's and Military Honors will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 2, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street, Smyrna, where friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masonic services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Clayton Fire Company, P.O. Box 194 Clayton, DE 19938; or to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 22 North Union Street, Smyrna, DE 19977. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.