Knute John Karlson's Obituary
Knute John Karlson
Milton, Delaware
December 17, 1947 – December 26, 2025
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Knute John Karlson, known as John, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who was peacefully called home to join his Savior on December 26, 2025, at the age of 78, after a courageous nearly 12-year battle with leukemia.
John was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Knute and Gertrude Karlson. He graduated from Sullivan High School and went on to study graphic arts at Loyola University. John’s career spanned many decades in the printing industry, beginning as a salesman for Brookshore Printing in Chicago. In 1974, he moved to Connecticut with his family, where he spent most of his life selling printing services for The Segerdahl Corporation, Sayers Communications, Lehigh Press, and Bradley Printing. He earned a reputation for personalized customer service, tenacity, and creativity.
Later in life, John earned his real estate license and concluded his career as a real estate agent with William Pitt Sotheby’s and William Raveis, working alongside his business partner and closest personal friend, Barbara Jasinski. After a distinguished career in printing and real estate, John found great joy in retirement in Milton, Delaware, surrounded by family and friends.
John’s greatest joy was his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Salentiny, in 1968, and they remained inseparable for 57 years. Their marriage was filled with joy, laughter, and love, and John made it a point every day to tell Joanne how beautiful she was and how deeply he loved her. He was a proud and loving father to Eric (Amy), Mark (Dominique), and the late Michael John; a caring father-in-law to Amy and Dominique; a beloved and generous Papa to his four grandchildren, Katie (20), Layla (7), Noah(5), and Cooper(1); and a devoted brother to his older sister, Jean Miller (and her late husband John), and his late younger brother, Jim (Kathleen). He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends. He is also survived by his 42-year-old female parrot named Pete, who he spoiled since she was a fledgling.
John was known for his energetic personality, sense of humor, patriotism, optimism, and passion for all things baseball—especially the New York Yankees. John was particularly generous to a fault, donating his time, energy and resources to the causes and people in his life that he loved. His mantra in life was that anything worth doing was worth overdoing. Whether it be a party or holiday decorations, he always had a knack for making people feel welcomed and loved. He embraced life to the fullest, creating special memories to those around him. He enjoyed fine wine, well-aged scotch, Hershey’s bars, and engaging in a heated debate.
John was active in Scouting for most of his life, mentoring hundreds of young men. He began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout leader in Norwalk, Connecticut and with Pack 17 in Wilton, Connecticut, and later served as a leader with Troop 19 in Norwalk and Troop 20 in Wilton. Over the years, John held numerous leadership roles and ultimately concluded his Scouting career as a District Commissioner. He completed Wood Badge training, in addition to numerous distinguished leadership awards, he earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. His adventures included hiking most of the Appalachian Trail, climbing Mount Washington, and canoeing through the Allagash. Above all, John was proudest of sponsoring 58 Scouts who achieved Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. Known fondly to many as “Mr. Karlson,” his legacy lives on through the countless Scouts he mentored and the values he instilled. In addition, he was honored by the Red Cross and was recognized with the Real Heroes award for service to his community.
John was a faithful Christian, a member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Milton, Delaware, and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus—the organization’s highest level, centered on patriotism and charity.
Over the past decade, John was cared for with compassion and dedication by many healthcare professionals. The family extends their deepest gratitude to his physicians and care teams, including Dr. Robert Stark, and Dr. Dickerman Hollister Jr., Dr. Francesca Montanari, and the staff at The Smilow Cancer Center; Dr. Gene Robert Myers, Dr. Gina Facciolo and the staff at Beebe Healthcare, and others who supported John with skill, kindness, and grace throughout his journey.
For those in Delaware, a visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parsell Funeral Home, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, DE.
For family and friends in Connecticut and the surrounding area, a second visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 229 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT, the church where John raised his family and worshipped for most of his adult life. Burial will immediately follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT.
The service at church may be viewed via livestream by visiting ourladyofFatimaWiltonCT live stream
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s honor to support his lifelong commitment to service and community by contributing to one of his favorite organizations: Scouting America, https://donations.scouting.org, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306, or the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ .
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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