George W. Carroll, 87
September 2, 2011
ROCKPORT — George W. Carroll, 87, of 18R High St.,
Rockport, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 at
Massachusetts General Hospital following cardiac surgery.
George was born in Chelsea on March 19, 1924. He was
the son of the late Burkess Charles Carroll and the late Laura Frank
Carroll, both from Chelsea.
George and his wife, Dorothy Joyal Carroll lived in
South Lancaster for 40 years where they raised two children, Glenn P.
Carroll and Cynthia J. Carroll. While living in Lancaster, George worked
at the Colonial Press in Clinton as a printer for 31 years and as the
Superintendent of Building & Grounds at Nashoba Regional High, Bolton,
for 10 years. Because of his strong sense of community involvement,
George was also a member of the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department for
35 years. Upon retirement, George and Dorothy moved to Rockport, and
served as volunteer lighthouse keepers on Thacher's Island for six
years. For 26 years he had been actively involved in the Thacher Island
Association and faithfully participated in work-parties on Thacher's
every Wednesday until this past August.
George loved his country and served proudly as a
Gunner's Mate in the Navy Armed Guard during World War II. He made five
Atlantic convoy crossings, and was at Normandy Beach on Day 9 delivering
much needed supplies to our soldiers from the Liberty Ship LST1083. He
delivered supplies to the beach-head during the Battle at Anzio. When
the European Theatre was won, George went to the Pacific Theatre on the
SS Thomas Fitzsimmons. There he was awarded a battle star for valiantly
fighting in the Battle of Okinawa. He had remained proud to have
performed service in his Country's time of need and never lost sight of
the great privilege that it is to be an American and enjoy the freedom
and liberty that his country offers.
George had been a man that possesses an easy smile, a
wonderful sense of humor and he had been quick to extend a helping hand
to anyone in need. His family and his many friends have been the most
important aspect of his life.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 65 years,
Dorothy Joyal Carroll; his son, Glenn P. Carroll of Ohio; his daughter,
Cynthia J. Carroll of Rockport; his granddaughter, Kate Carroll of
California; his sisters, Edith Mugford of Wilmington, Lois Turco of
Florida, Margie Hertzog of Colorado, Nancy Stewart of Florida; and his
many "favorite" nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as
his multitude of friends from around the world.
ARRANGEMENTS: At George's request, there will be no
calling hours or funeral service. However, at a later date there will be
a memorial service where George has asked that his ashes be scattered in
the sea around Thacher's Island. In lieu of flowers, the family has
requested that donations be made in George's name to the Thacher Island
Association, P.O. Box 73, Rockport, MA 01966. Arrangements are by the
Burgess & Mackey Funeral Home, 201 Main St., Rockport. Online
condolences may be given at
www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
