David Charles Karlen, age 83, of Yarmouth Port, MA, beloved husband of Janice Arlene Karlen for 60 years, died Friday January 15, 2016 of natural causes.

Born and raised in Rome, NY, Dave attended Rome Free Academy where he excelled in sports. He graduated from St. Lawrence University, was president of Beta Theta Phi, a member of the ODK, played on the University’s baseball and hockey teams, and was a key member of the 1952 hockey team that played its first Frozen Four in Colorado Springs. In 2011, Dave was inducted into the St. Lawrence University Hall of Fame and in 2012 Dave was inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame. Dave was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving domestically and was Provost Marshal of Camp Wellfleet, coordinating the arrivals of refugees during the Hungarian Uprising of 1956. This led to a 40 year connection with Cape Cod, specifically Wellfleet, where the Karlens spent every summer. He enjoyed a 30 year career at AT&T, where he rose through the ranks to become a labor relations specialist and key member of AT&T’s National Bargaining Team.

Dave and Janice moved over 14 times while raising a family that grew to four children who cherish the warmth of heart and generous nature that has sustained them constantly through the years. Upon retirement, he and his wife relocated to Yarmouth Port where he was an active member of the Kings Way Board of Directors. Before returning to Cape Cod in 2015, Dave and Janice lived for almost 10 years in Aiken SC where Dave was a communicant of St Mary Help of Christians Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors are his wife, Janice, and his loving children, David M Karlen of Aiken, SC, Kathleen Donnelly of Rumson, NJ, Megan Karlen of Brooklyn, NY and Sara Lacombe of Bethesda, MD; his sister Muriel Potocki, Rome, NY. He is also survived by 3 cherished grandchildren, Grace, Jack and Chloe and several nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his brother, Bernard Karlen and brother-in-law John Potocki.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 29, in the Sacred Heart Chapel, 32 Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA, at 11:00am. A military tribute and burial will directly follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, at 1:15pm.

The family requests, if you want to contribute in any way, consider donating your time or money to any youth athletic program in your area. Of all things, Dave would love that the most.

Dear Dave Jr. and Janice & family, Please accept our sympathy for your families great loss. From the time you both left Aiken I missed my curb side chats and laughs with Dave and mentioned to Dave Jr. that I regretted not having spent more time with Dave because I knew what a fine gentlemen he was. I remember kneeling and praying at mass and glancing over to frequently see Dave deep into prayer and private thought. Mostly I will remember his quick wit and smile and that firm strong handshake. Our family will be praying for his soul and your families comfort and healing during this painful loss.

We were neighbors in Aiken, SC for about 10 years. We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Dave and Janice were the kind of neighbors any one would enjoy. May God's love and peace sustain you at this most difficult time. We are very thankful to still be able to enjoy your son, Dave, as a neighbor. With our deepest sympathy and prayers. Love to all. Ronald & Linda Toole

David and I had a lot in common including first and middle names; we always had interesting conversations during his dental appointments. He always asked me about flying my experiences, sports and current events. David was so kind to me and our team and I valued the friendship that grew over the years. We were saddened to hear that he was moving from Aiken, but understood the reasons. He will be missed by all of sudden!

We have been missing both of you already but this makes a bigger hole in our hearts.