Judge John Scott Carlin's Obituary
John Scott Carlin, 65, was welcomed home to his Lord and Savior when he passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026. John lived a life defined by faith, family, and service.
Born on March 10, 1960, in Canton, Ohio, John was the beloved son of the late John and Dorie Ellen Carlin. He lived in Canton until moving to Fort Myers in 1985. John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Denise Carlin; his beloved sons, John and Tyler Carlin; and many other family members and friends.
John graduated from Timken High School in Canton, Ohio, in 1978 and later earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University. He began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. He later entered private practice with the law firm of Gerald, Cary & Duncan and continued practicing at Decker & Smith, P.A., before running for Lee County Judge, a position he was elected to in August 1990. John was sworn into office in January 1991 and served for five years as a County Judge. In 1996, he resigned from his County Judgeship to run for an open Circuit Court position and was elected without opposition. John served the people of Southwest Florida as a Judge for over 35 years. Throughout his career on the bench, he earned the respect of colleagues and the legal community for his dedication to the judicial process and his service to the community.
John loved living in Lee County. He enjoyed playing tennis with his sons and friends, volunteering with many nonprofit organizations, and spending quality time with family and friends. John especially delighted in cheering on John and Tyler during their baseball games and tennis matches. He was always their greatest fan.
He also loved traveling to Europe and across the United States, especially to New York City where Denise and he enjoyed attending Broadway musicals. Many summers were spent in the Northeast visiting family and cheering for the Red Sox with Denise, John Jr., and Tyler.
John was a loving husband, devoted father, beloved brother-in-law, supportive uncle, and dear friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901, followed by interment at noon at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in John’s name to Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc., P.O. Box 60401, Fort Myers, FL 33906 or online at https://www.actabuse.com.
The Carlin Family extends their appreciation to Dr. Ken Tolep, Dr. John Dusseau, Dr. Lane Carlin, Dr. Vlad Ilic, and the physicians and nurses at HealthPark for their exceptional care and support during John’s recent hospitalization.
Arrangements are being handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery.
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