Carl Edward

Chisolm

Carl Edward Chisolm was born on January 31, 1944, in Harlem, New York, to Kathleen Chisolm and Daniel Gadsden. A proud New Yorker, Carl was born and raised in Harlem, where the foundation was laid for a life filled with determination, service, family, friendship, and resilience. On September 26, 2026, Carl transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through all who knew and loved him.

Throughout his life, Carl pursued many careers and interests. Carl served in the Navy and received an honorable discharge. Carl worked as a lithographer for a company that produced New York Mets memorabilia, helping turn the family into Mets fans. In football, Carl's loyalty belonged to the Dallas Cowboys.

Carl loved cooking, playing chess, watching and recording movies, and CBS Sunday Morning. Photography was another passion. Carl learned to develop film and had a special appreciation for black-and white photography, capturing people, places, and moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Carl was preceded in death by beloved wife Valerie Strachan Chisolm; parents Daniel Gadsden and Kathleen Chisolm; brother Floyd Chisolm; and dear friend and mentor Rev. Douglas Edmonds.

Carl leaves to cherish the memory: daughters Simone Chisolm and Gloria Chisolm-Bourne (Shanda); granddaughter Angel; and siblings Ruthie, Brenda, Linda, Merleen, Leroy, Danny, Dion, Gladys, and Isabella.

Carl is also lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews, including Deamein, Dina, Shawanda (Jelani), Jada, Jalen, Craig, Ray, Jani, and Jahche'; the Gadsden and Wales families; extended family; Masonic brothers; members of the recovery community; neighbors; colleagues; and the many friends Carl collected everywhere.

Most of all, Carl will be remembered as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, counselor, Mason, and a person who found purpose in helping others find their way