Joseph Carson, 83; veteran of WWII loved public service

From a young age, Joseph L. Carson dedicated himself to public service.

At 14, he spent a year with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Vermont, despite being below its age requirement, and served in the armed forces during World War II. He became active in politics later in life, campaigning for such Democratic presidential candidates as Senator Edward M. Kennedy and former vice president Al Gore and running for seats on the Cambridge City Council and School Committee, though he never won.

''He thought that a civilized society should treat people civilly," said his son, Joseph of Warwick, N.Y. ''One of his big things was universal healthcare."

Mr. Carson, known to friends as ''Oakie," died Tuesday of a heart attack at his home in Cambridge. He was 83.

After enlisting in the Army Air Forces in 1943, Mr. Carson worked in radio communications until his B-24 plane was shot down over Germany the following year and he was held as a prisoner of war for nine months. During that time, he suffered from a bayonet injury to his back. The effects of the wound followed him to Syracuse University, where he took classes after the war. While at the university, he contracted tuberculosis.

''He was going to be part of the starting [basketball] team at Syracuse [as point guard]," his son said. ''He almost died."

For health reasons, Mr. Carson relocated to Florida, where he continued his studies at the University of Miami before returning to Syracuse to complete his government degree. He did postgraduate work in government and politics at Harvard University and Columbia University.

In the early 1950s, Mr. Carson married Grace Ann (DeSantis) and continued his involvement in politics. He also enjoyed playing tennis, and spent time teaching his children and grandchildren the sport. ''He was an avid tennis player," his son said. ''He played all over the public courts in Cambridge. . . . He played tennis a week ago."

Throughout his life, Mr. Carson imparted his love of politics and sportsmanship upon his children.

''He was a man of principle," his son said.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Carson leaves three daughters, Ann of Cambridge, Jane of Truckee, Calif., and Christine Carson-Bugden of Natick; a nephew; and six grandchildren.

A funeral will be held todayat 10 a.m. in John C. Burns & Sons Funeral Home in Cambridge. Burial will be in Cambridge Cemetery.