Robert “Bob” L. Carroll, 91, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on August 5, 2018, surrounded by family.
Born in New Bedford, on October 5, 1926, he was the son of the late Louis and Aline (Chicoine) Carroll. He lived in New Bedford for many years, later moving to Rochester, and then Onset. He returned to his home city of New Bedford 10 years ago.
Bob graduated from New Bedford High School in 1945, and went on to serve in the United States Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1946, where he trained to be a pilot. Following his service in the Army Air Corps, he attended the New Bedford Textile Institute (now UMass Dartmouth), graduating in 1948. After finishing school, he began a lifelong career in the textile industry, first at Berkshire Hathaway, where he was a manager for many years, and later at Debson Mill (which later became Tweave, Inc.), where he was Senior Vice President.
In addition to his successful career, Bob was a talented musician, playing alto and tenor saxophone, as well as the clarinet. By the age of 13, he was playing in local community bands, and upon reaching high school, he played in swing and dance bands throughout southeastern Massachusetts several nights each week. By age 16, he had joined the musician’s union, something he was quite proud of. He continued to play throughout his life in groups such as the Tri-County Symphonic Band, both the Mattapoisett and Marion town bands, and with friends and family.
Bob was a true gentleman whose sparkling eyes and genuine smile brought joy to those lucky enough to know him. In his final days, he reminisced about the good life he had lived, and the wonderful memories he carried with him. Over the course of his long life, he raised a family of his own, and became family to many others.
He was predeceased by his wife of 20 years, Shirley (Perry) Carroll, as well as his first wife, Priscilla (Southworth) Carroll, and his companion later in life, Bernice Manzone. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Joyce Carroll, and his sister, Anita Carroll Rose.
He is survived by his son Robert L. Carroll, Jr. of New Bedford, and stepson Raymond Rose, of Mattapoisett; his grandchildren, Shyla S. Carroll, Traci A. Carroll, Aria Sampson, Todd Carroll and his wife Melanie, and Todd’s mother, Donna Carroll; as well as Amy E. Herrmann and her husband Wayne, Beth Rose Avery, and Katherine A. Rose, and their mother, Helene Charland Rose; great-grandchildren, Felicia A. Carroll, Hailey A. Pereira and her husband Marc, Jareyn M. Carroll, Ari L. Silva, Riley Sampson, Natalie Parker, Henry Avery, and Eoghan McDonagh; great-great grandchildren, Avah M. Carroll, Liam Pereira, and Priya Sousa; nephews Anthony Rose and Steven Rose; the Manzone family, Christine and Scott Souza, Gail and Bob Major, Gene and Tracey Manzone, Nancy and Ronnie Manzone, Richard and Debbie Manzone, and their extended family; and his faithful friends at the Sassaquin Village Condominiums. The family is also grateful to the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital and The Oaks for providing such wonderful care to Bob in his final days.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 18th, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 559 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford, with a gathering to follow at the Waterfront Grille. Bob was a proud supporter of his Alma Mater; donations can be made in the memory of Robert L. Carroll to the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth at www.bit.ly/RobertCarrollDonation or mailed to the UMass Dartmouth Foundation, 285 Old Westport Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.