Arthur Carstensen

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Native Staten Islander Arthur (Artie) Kenneth Carstensen, 86, a retired radar technician, died yesterday in his Tottenville home.

A lifelong resident of Tottenville, Mr. Carstensen worked for over 30 years as a radar technician for the Federal Aviation Administration at Newark Airport. He retired in 1981. Mr. Carstensen also worked for 10 years for the city Board of Education as a substitute shop teacher at PS 25 on the grounds of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, Mount Loretto, Pleasant Plains.

A graduate of Tottenville High School, Mr. Carstensen served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed on the USS Tutuila.

Mr. Carstensen was a member of the Beauvais-Hudson Post, American Legion, a founding member of the South Shore Swim Club, a member of Huguenot Masonic Lodge, and a 32degree mason of the Scottish Rite.

He was a parishioner of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Tottenville, and a was life Scout with the church's Boy Scout Troop 21.

Mr. Carstensen was a drummer for the South Shore Band. He was an avid boater and fisherman, who also enjoyed tending to his garden. Mr. Carstensen was a longtime ham radio operator, with the call letters K2BSJ. According to family, he helped many people achieve their ham radio license and especially enjoyed helping the boy scouts receive their ham radio merit badges.

"He was a great family man, a great jokester, and the best grandfather; one of a kind," said his wife of 63 years, the former Pauline Larsen.

Along with his wife, Pauline, also surviving are a son, John A.; two daughters, Caryl Comeforo and Joan P. Chapman, and seven grandchildren.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a service at 11 a.m. in St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Arrangements include cremation.

Services: St. Paul's UM Church Thursday, November 10,2011 11:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Tuesday,November 8,2011 7-9PM & Wednesday, November 9,2011 2-4 & 7-9PM

Memorials: Contributions in Artie's name to St. Paul's UM Church or University Hospice would be appreciated.

Cemetery: Cremation Will Be Private

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Paul's United Methodist Church