William “Bill” Carlyle Caryl of Wellesley died at Newton Wellesley Hospital on Saturday, February 2, 2025. He was 90 years old.
Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife Joan Dibert Caryl of 69 years, and his children Michael (Debbie), Thomas (Laurel), Eileen (Andrew) and James (Angie) and his cherished grandchildren Beth Ann, Madeline (Matt), Emily, Cameron and Lola and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Quinn and Judah. He also leaves Buddy the dog who enjoyed many a snack, compliments of Bill.
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1934, Bill was the only child of Morgan Lynn and Florence Anderson Caryl and was doted on by his parents and extended family. Though raised in Pennsylvania, Bill was proud of his English ancestry, with Caryl’s arriving in Massachusetts in the 1630’s and living in Dover near the existing Caryl Park. But he also reveled in his Irish, German and Swedish ancestry and would fly the Irish flag or don his lederhosen when the occasion called for it.
In his Erie youth, Bill was passionate about playing sports and excelled at wrestling and football, usually playing tackle. Bill went on to Penn State where he contemplated trying out for the football team but after meeting Rosie Greer, also trying out, decided he’d stick to intramural wrestling and fraternity activities through his college career. Wrestling was so much a part of his psyche that the first question he would ask his kids when they came to visit was “how much do you weigh now?”
After Joan and he wed in 1956, Bill graduated Penn State with a Business Administration degree, and soon thereafter entered the U.S. Army to serve in Germany. While in Germany, he spent a season playing with the Army football team competing against other bases in Europe and also learned to ski with his typical strong and confident athletic style.
Upon returning home, he was hired by Erie Resister and transferred in 1961 to their sales office in Massachusetts. Bill and Joan moved to Wellesley with two young sons and became involved in St. Paul’s Church and school and other local organizations.
Bill’s other career highlights included positions with the Interstate Commerce Commission, U.S. Postal Service, Merrill Lynch, Atlantic Trading Company and real estate investment in Massachusetts, Florida and Waterville Valley, New Hampshire including restaurants, retail and residential properties. He also enjoyed entrepreneurial investments.
In addition to skiing, basketball, softball, jogging, tennis, season tickets to the Nittany Lions games and driving his Porsche’s a little too fast, Bill also delighted in collecting sports and music memorabilia and treasured his collection that honored the “greats” from Ted Williams to Dizzy Gillespie. He enjoyed sharing his stories and hearing about his friend’s and family’s adventures. Fond family memories include driving around towns and forests in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the station wagon, just exploring. Bill lived a colorful, busy life and enjoyed himself immensely. Rest in Peace Dad, we will miss you dearly.
A Funeral Service will be held in the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 477 Washington St. (Rt. 16) Wellesley on Thursday, February 6th at 12 noon. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 11AM-12Noon. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private.