Published in the November 13, 2015 edition

Carl-Lindstrom-obit-webMELROSE — Carl A. Lindstrom, 88, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Golden Living Center in Melrose.

Carl was born in Stoneham on Jan. 27, 1927, one of two sons of Swedish descendants, the late Carl A. and Esther A. (Lindegren) Lindstrom. He was raised in Melrose, where he graduated from Melrose High School and played in the high school band. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from MIT. He was the recipient of a Fulbright Grant to study for one year in France and traveled throughout Europe and Russia during his year away. Carl worked as a chemical engineer specializing in plastics for Cryovac, Arthur D. Little and Borden Chemical.

Carl was blessed with great musical talent. In his youth, he attended the First Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, beginning a lifelong love for music. He played the trumpet in the Army Air Corps Band while in the service and later sang in the Boston Chorus Pro Musica. He learned to play several instruments throughout his life including the piano, accordion, trumpet, guitar, flute and mandolin. Quiet and reserved, Carl was quite happy to listen to classical and opera music in his free time. With his parents and relatives in Melrose, he enjoyed celebrating Christmas in traditional Swedish spirit.

Growing up as a teen in the Lake Winnipesaukee region with his family, Carl spent summers working at Sawyer’s Dairy in Gilford, N.H. The family cabin on Varney Point in Gilford was a central gathering place for the Lindstroms and held many special memories and events over the years. He enjoyed various outdoor activities including swimming, sailing, skiing, snowshoeing and mountain climbing.

In the 1960s, Carl purchased Penny Island where he enjoyed the privacy of his own cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee. Carl loved being out on the lake, using any means possible. He had a particular love for sailing but often spent time on the lake canoeing, kayaking or aboard his motorboat. The cabin on Penny Island and Lake Winnipesaukee always held a special place in Carl’s heart.

Carl was the devoted father of E. Gregory Lindstrom of Melrose and the late Philip R.G. Lindstrom. He was the dear brother of the late Richard S. Lindstrom and his surviving wife Carolyn of Reading. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Carl’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Nov. 9 and at the First Baptist Church, 561 Main St., Melrose for his funeral service celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Interment with U.S. Air Force military honors at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute or to share a memory visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.