Carl Robert Turnblom, 80, of Branford, passed away on Jan. 19 at Connecticut Hospice after a brief illness, with his soulmate and ex-wife by his side.

Carl was born on Jan. 8, 1943, in Waterbury to the late Elsie Viola Lindwall and Carl Bertil Turnblom. He graduated from Wilby High School and attended Florida Southern College.

Carl was employed by Metro Media, John Blair Company, MCA, and ADVO and was the founder and owner of Kingfish Seafood in Madison, after which he devoted his entrepreneurial expertise to several other businesses.

He was a radar operator during the Vietnam War, having served in the United States Air Force for six years. Carl was a proud veteran and shared his experiences with close friends and family. He also was a life member of the Westbrook Elks Lodge #1784 and VFW in Madison.

While married to his former wife, Carol Marie Andrecs, they made their home in Madison. Carl cherished his time with close friends and the business associates he met during his vast career as a marketing executive. A light-hearted man, he had a loving and gentle nature and a great sense of humor. He was always known for being helpful and giving time to his friends and colleagues. Carl loved to cook and was an excellent chef, often grilling and entertaining neighbors, family, and friends. He was an avid animal lover and enjoyed boating, fishing, sports, and metal detecting. He was always upbeat and maintained a positive attitude.

For many years he enjoyed being Santa Claus in his neighborhood, for Forgotten Felines and various nursing homes, and for the Madison Police Department, delivering toys to families as part of their annual toy drive. Carl will be remembered most for his kindness and generosity.

Carl was predeceased by his parents and his beloved sister, Lois Burke. In addition to his beloved ex-wife, he is survived by his niece, Christine Burke, and will be dearly missed by his closest friend, Ed Gavin, and his extended family, who knew him as “Bob.”

Carl’s loved ones would like to express their deep gratitude to the exceptional staff of the West Haven VA Medical Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, The Guilford House, ARK Healthcare and Rehabilitation, and Connecticut Hospice for their compassionate care and loving support during his illness.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 24 at the Swan Funeral Home in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or by visiting the website at vva.org.