Carl Walter Sahlsten Jr.

Carl Walter Sahlsten Jr. passed away at home in Tampa on July 3, 2024 after a long, brave battle with prostate cancer at the age of 61. His wife and sons were near when he left this earth and went Home -- finally free from pain and suffering.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Carl Walter and Christine Peacock Sahlsten and his mother and father-in-law, Charles and Jean Wolfe. Surviving are his wife and best friend, Julie Wolfe Sahlsten, Tampa; his sons: Eric Wolfe Sahlsten, Denver; Kyle Wolfe Sahlsten and future daughter-in-law, Jamie Lynn Fash, Tampa. Carl and Julie were married on July 23, 1988 and celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary last year in Alaska. His family was blessed to be loved and adored by such a great man, husband and father. He was always there for them. Always.

Also surviving are Carl’s brothers: Greg Sahlsten (Julie Wolf), Orlando and Curt Sahlsten (Jill), Branford, FL; his sisters-in-law: Pamela Wolfe, Pekin, IL; Lynn Erickson (Charles), Washington, NC; Amy Dela Cruz (Alfred), Aiea, HI; his nieces and nephews: Sonja Sahlsten (Scott Tungate), Orlando; Steve Sahlsten, Orlando; Carissa Sahlsten, Surprise, AZ; CJ Sahlsten, Surprise, AZ; Ashley Dela Cruz, Aiea, HI; Austin Dela Cruz, Portland, OR; Chase Erickson, Washington, NC.

Carl was born on October 13, 1962 in Miami, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree with High Honors from the University of Florida in 1983. He loved his Florida Gators through thick and thin.

Carl’s professional life started at Peat Marwick, CPA firm in Jacksonville. In 1986, he and his two friends ventured out and formed the CPA firm: Paulk, Reinschmidt & Sahlsten. In 1988, Carl became CFO of Hooters of America and soon joined Hugh Connerty as Connerty & Associates Executive Vice President and later appointed, President. They were Outback Steakhouse’s first franchisee. In 1995, Carl moved his family to Tampa where he worked for Outback Steakhouse Inc. as President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill and later became the Senior VP of Real Estate. In 2004, Carl was honored to receive the Outbacker of the Year award. In 2005, Carl formed CWS Development. He then partnered with John Schrowang in 2008 in Red Elephant Pizza & Grill and served as the CEO. In 2013, he entered into a partnership with Chris Sullivan and Hugh Connerty in ConSul Hospitality Group and was Metro Diner’s CEO until his retirement in 2020.

Carl was an excellent golfer and also loved hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, cooking, fine dining, music and traveling. He loved his dogs Shadow and Jaden whose void has been filled by grand dog, Bear. He and Julie loved cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning with their suite mates, especially during the two Stanley Cup wins! From 2021-2023, they happily fulfilled their dream of traveling across this great country in their RV, “Grace,” visiting numerous National Parks along the way. Some of the happiest times of his life were family vacations, and they felt doubly blessed to be joined by Eric and Kyle, and in recent years, Jamie on so many amazing trips after they had left the nest.

Carl’s philosophy on life was to strive to maintain balance. He worked hard to be successful in all areas of his life. We would like to thank everyone including numerous, unknown prayer warriors who have supported us along this journey. We thank the LORD for blessing us with so much love in our family. We lost him way too soon, but his love, wisdom and character will live through us until the end of our days and beyond.

Carl leaves behind not only his family but many friends and colleagues whose lives were better for having known him.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Sunday, July 14th at Blount & Curry MacDill Life Event Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, July 15th at Palma Ceia Methodist Church, 3723 W Bay to Bay Blvd Tampa FL 33629. At his request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa in his name.