Christopher Lawrence Carlotto, 81, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, passed away on October 11, 2026, leaving behind memories, laughter, and a family he loved more than anything.

Born in Great Barrington, Chris grew up in Springfield. He moved his family to Wilbraham, November ‘68 because he wanted to raise his family in town. Like his father, John, he pursued a career in stationary engineering. Despite his father's advice never to take a job at a laundry, he spent 35 years managing Highland Laundry in Holyoke until its closure in 2008, a decision he never regretted. It was demanding work, but being home by three and having weekends off meant he could be there when his kids needed him. Later, he enjoyed working as a boiler operator at Smith College, a job his family affectionately compared to Homer Simpson’s.

In 1985, he married his beloved wife, Susan. Together, they raised five children and never made a distinction between children and stepchildren. A devoted husband, he would do anything Susan asked, including maintaining the swimming pool long after the children moved away.

Above all, he loved being a dad, and he was the best at it there ever was. He loved dropping in on Mike as he restored an old Mustang or soaking up the sun with Christine on New Smyrna Beach. Ed knew his kitchen specialty well: “I thought you already ate.” With Jim, he shared the unforgettable experience of Game 6 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston. And when Nick played college hockey for Georgia in front of 8,000 fans in Savannah, there was no question who his number one fan was.

Some of his happiest memories were made at the family cottage on Highland Lake in New Hampshire. Weekends meant packing the Ranger and heading north. Though content to fish and relax, he was always willing to trade a quiet afternoon for boating, water sports, or another adventure with his kids.

Glasses on, ball cap pulled down, Chris could often be found sitting in his driveway soaking up the sun, taking in the neighborhood, nature, and the place he called home. The hat might change between the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, or whichever hockey team Nick was playing for, but the scene was always familiar.

A man of stubborn routine and understated humor, he liked his coffee black and HOT. An afternoon beer, a snack, a nap, and dinner with Seinfeld on the kitchen television rounded out his routine. When the evening was over, he'd make his familiar exit with an announcement: “Alright…I'm going to bed.”

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Freeley) Carlotto, children; Michael Carlotto and his wife Sheileen of Wilbraham, Christine Lamb and her husband Henry of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Edward Hewitt of Atlanta, GA and James Hewitt and his wife Larissa of Norfolk, MA, Nicholas Carlotto and his wife Coco of San Diego, and brothers John Carlotto (Pat) of RI and Paul Carlotto (Joanne) of Haverhill, MA and five cherished grand daughters; Samantha, Lauren, Hayden, Lily and Maddie. He was predeceased by his parents John L. and Cathleen M. (Galland) Carlotto.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23rd from 2-4 PM, concluding with a Celebration of Life Service at 4 PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham.