Carl Cameron Paulson's Obituary
In loving memory of Carl Cameron Paulson, a brilliant nuclear physicist, devoted Air Force veteran, and a loving family man. Carl passed away on February 20, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida, leaving behind a profound legacy of intellect, service, and quiet strength.
Born March 7, 1941, to Gunnar Paulson and Alice (Fortune) Paulson,
in Hackensack, New Jersey, Carl exhibited a remarkable intellect from a young age. After graduating from Dumont High School in 1959, he served four years in the United States Air Force, then pursued his passion for science, earning his B.S (Magna Cum Laude) in Physics from Fairleigh Dickinson University, followed by four years of PhD work in New York University's (NYU) Dept of Physics Graduate program.
Throughout his career, Carl made significant contributions to his field. Following college, he worked in the Nuclear Engineering Department of The Electric Bond and Share Group Services (EBASCO-an Architect Engineering firm) for 8 years, 4 of which he designed power systems for the Tomahawk fusion reactor at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and then worked for Grumman Aerospace in their Advanced Energy department located at Princeton. After EBASCO, he moved to the aerospace field working for Northrop-Grumman and Lockheed Martin. During this period, he simultaneously determined the mathematical methodology for, and solution of the equations for the design of the Poloidal Field Coil systems in Tokamak Thermonuclear Reactors and the physics designs for Neutral Particle Beams and provided the physics designs for multiple linear accelerators. Those designs included the entire CWDD (Continuous Wave Deuterium Demonstrator) linear accelerator at Argonne National Laboratory and portions of the BEAR (Beam Experiments Aboard Rocket) accelerator which was placed and operated in space.
Carl was a distinguished MUFON STAR Team investigator and a member of the MUFON Science Review Board, where he conducted rigorous scientific examinations of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). He continued to provide his expertise long after retirement.
During the aerospace period, he became an EMT and volunteered on the Plainsboro Rescue Squad for almost twenty years and he spent many hours volunteering as a Boy Scout father helping his son earn the level of Eagle Scout.
Beyond his professional achievements, Carl was known for his gentle demeanor, unwavering kindness, and his love for his dog, Katie. He approached life with humility and grace, touching the hearts of all who knew him. In 2007, he and his wife escaped the cold weather and retired in sunny Gainesville, Florida.
Carl is survived by his brother Dr. Gunnar Paulson; Nieces Amy Paulson Bennett (Bobby) and Melissa Paulson Dougherty (Jonathan); Great-Nieces Taylor, Brittany, Brooke, and Abby Bennett; Great-Nephews Gunnar and Grant Dougherty; Cousin Paul Paulson (Betty); Brothers in Law John Seery (Deb) and Mike Seery (Annie); Nieces in Law Donna Volinski (Vincent) and Shannon Seery (Ron); Great-Nieces in Law Gabriella and Angelina Volinski.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gunnar and Alice Paulson, his wife, Sheila, and their only child, Kevin. May he find eternal peace in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father as he reunites with his wife, son, parents, and all who went before him. And may we find comfort in the cherished memories we shared with him during his time on Earth.
Carl will be laid to rest next to his wife and son in Cranbury, New Jersey. (Brainerd Cemetery).
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