John F. Carleton (1961-2013)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – John F. Carleton, 51, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., died as a result of injuries sustained when struck by a car as he was crossing the street on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013.

He was the fifth child, born on May 9, 1961, in Farmington, a son of Glenn “Shorty” and Patricia (Brougham) Carleton. He was a graduate of Mt. Blue High School where he excelled in both sports and music, setting a record for football interceptions, a sport that he played beginning in Little League. He also excelled at basketball and played in the high school jazz band where he played the drums, piano and added vocals, entertaining family and friends. Much like his dad, “Shorty” “Punk”, he was a gifted musician.

He attended UMA for music and played with many bands in the area, included The Weasels, Lady T and Cathy Stebbins Band. Cathy wrote the song about Samantha Smith, (the little girl who went to Russia, asking for world peace). Cathy asked Johnny to drum for the record and they played it together on the Today Show, NBC. In 1986, John earned Musician Magazine’s “Best New Drummer” Award and in 1989, he attended Drummers Cooperative a school for advanced drummers in New York.

He played in local bands, including the Parlin Brothers and regional bands in Vermont, including Blue Rose, The Unknown Blues Band, The Martin Guigi, to name a few. He went on to play with world renown artists like Bo Diddley, Laverne Baker, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and toured Europe with Luther “Guitar” Johnson. Luther once called Johnny “The best shuffler on the planet.” He also played with The Moondogs, Chad Hollister Band and Jesse Kalen of Black Kettle in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Martin Guigui of Sunset Pictures wrote of his friend and band-mate, “Johnny was considered one of the best drummers around because of his virtuosity and versatility; he was also a great vocalist.”

John’s talents went beyond music and into movies where he co-starred in “My X-Girlfriend’s Wedding” with Dom DeLuise and Debbie Gibson. John also had a featured role in National Lampoon’s “Cattle Call,” in which he also contributed to the soundtrack with one of his own original songs. He played on countless recordings throughout his career.

John will be remembered as a person who never complained, who was thoughtful and kind to others, who gave generously of himself and of his talents and who took joy as he found it in this world.

He is loved by his mother, Patricia B. Carleton of Farmington; his siblings: Christie Mullen of Standish, Kevin Carleton and his wife, Terri of Paris Hill; Michael and his wife, Bonnie of Strong; Patrick and his wife, Pam of Chesterville; Darren and his companion, Trisha Mosher of Livermore Falls; Brien and his wife, Lisa of Portland; Dina Goldsmith of Farmington; Desmond of Farmington and Edward and his wife, Tara of Farmington; 18 nieces and nephews: Chris, Wes, James, Nathan, Hannah, Andrew, Lizzie, Zachary, Taylor ,Dylan, Danielle, Emma, Molly-O, Olivia, Tucker, Oaklee, Noah and
Ella Blue; an aunt, Mary Brougham of Manchester; two uncles, Francis Brougham of N. Jay and Peter Dorman of Wilton, step-grandmother Monique Provost and many friends.

He was predeceased by his dad, Glenn “Shorty” Carleton, and his grandparents, Edward and Madelyn Brougham.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27), Farmington, Friday evening March 8, from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday morning, March 9, 2013, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Lequin officiating. Following Mass, a family reception will be held at the Parish Hall, hosted by the Altar Guild. Following the reception, a gathering will be held at the Farmington Elks Lodge, West Farmington, where Johnny’s music and remembrances from family and friends will be shared.

Those who desire may give remembrance gifts to the “Johnny Carleton’s Memorial Fund to Bring Him Home” c/o TD Bank, PO Box 900 ATT: Cheryl Baxter, Farmington, ME 04938. Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family publicly on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com. Winter entombment at the funeral home. Spring burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton.