Below is an obituary from Doolittle Funeral Home:
CROMWELL, CT — Carl Arthur Backman, Jr., 89, of Cromwell, CT, beloved husband of Elinor (Donahue Lyons) Backman for twenty-seven years, passed away on May 15, 2022. Born in Somerville, MA, he was the son of the late Carl and Hazel (Hinxman) Backman. Carl grew up in Wilmington, MA, where he and his family started their lifelong love for skating & hockey.
Carl served in the United States Army during the Korean War earning the rank of Sergeant. After graduating from UMASS on the GI bill, Carl raised his family in Wilmington and was active in many organizations through the years including Selectman and the Redevelopment Authority. His love for hockey continued with coaching and memberships to varying skating clubs, committees and teams. When he moved to Cromwell, Carl continued to play hockey at Champions up until he was 81 years old.
Along with his wife, Carl is survived by a son, Carl A. Backman, III of Haverhill, MA; a daughter, Janet Backman of Wilmington, daughter-in-law, Donna Backman of North Andover, a sister, Janet (Backman) Waugh of Austin, TX; stepsons, Christopher Lyons of Wethersfield, Peter Lyons (Debbie) of East Aurora, NY; step daughter, Jeanne Delisle (David) of Cromwell and step daughter-in-law, Cynthia Lyons of Uxbridge, MA; four loving grandchildren, Laurie Backman Hasham (John), Caralyn Backman, Elysie Backman and Jessica Backman; two great grandchildren, Marina and Ryan Hasham and many step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Carl was predeceased by a son, Kevin P. Backman; two brothers, Knute and Leon Backman; a step son, John J. Lyons and a step daughter-in-law, Sue-Ellen Lyons.
Carl will be remembered for his love of hockey, sports, blacksmithing and family and will be missed.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21st at 11:00 am at the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell. Burial will follow at Village Cemetery in Old Wethersfield where full military honors will be accorded. Family and friends may call on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge / Team SuzyQ (PMC.org) which Carl supported as a team member riding 192 miles in the fight against cancer. Cromwell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
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