It is with great sadness that the family of Carol A. (Bancroft) Verrochi announces her passing on June 28, 2023, at home, eight months after she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. Carol, age 70, resided in Berkley, MA, and West Dover, VT. She is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, William H. Verrochi, and their three daughters, Maureen (Verrochi) Curran of West Hartford, CT. Cheryl (Verrochi) Arbello (William) of Trumball, CT, and Kristen (Verrochi) Geltman (Michael) of Madison, CT. She and Bill were blessed with six grandchildren, Caitlin, Mairin, Hailey, Zachary, Victoria, and Liam. Survived by her mother, Claire (Rocheleau) Bancroft, sister, Laurie Mandly (James), sister Diane Zuspan (E. Jay), and sister-in-law, Vicki Abbott Bancroft. Her brother-in-law, John Verrochi, also survives her. Carol is pre-deceased by her father, Arthur D. Bancroft, and her brother, Stephen P. Bancroft. A large extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom enriched her life, remain representing what Carol embraced most, her family. Due to her expansive interests, Carol amassed many friends in southeastern Massachusetts and southern Vermont, who will miss her dearly.
Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Carol graduated from Bishop Stang High School Class of 1970 and studied nursing at the Faulkner Hospital. After graduating in 1972, she worked as a registered nurse in various settings, including public schools, hospitals, and home care. Her true passion, she would discover, was in event planning. She donated hours of her time and talents to charitable fundraising events, including Cribs to Crayons, St. Bernard’s Harvest Festival, Friends of St. Anne’s Hospital events, and fundraising events at her grandchildren’s schools. Her passion for bringing people together shone brightest at the annual Arthur D. Bancroft Golf Tournament, a golf and dinner event bringing the extensive Bancroft family together to play mediocre golf in celebration of family and friends. Although the golf event has ceased, the family continues to gather in September because family is always number one.
Loving to travel, Carol enjoyed trips to Switzerland, Florida, Bermuda, and the Caribbean whenever she could, accompanied by friends and family. Even after becoming ill, she traveled to Florida for more time with her grandchildren.
Carol and her husband discovered a love of southern Vermont when they decided
to introduce their grandchildren to skiing and snowboarding. They chose Mount Snow in Dover.
New friendships sprouted in the Green Mountains, and Carol again found her niche in bringing people together. A casual meeting with her future friend, Donald Richard, led to the formation of a non-profit designed to help first responders cope with job stress. The Strengthen Your Mind Initiative (SYMI) is perhaps Carol’s greatest gift.
Friends and family are invited to visiting hours on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St, New Bedford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA. Burial to follow at the Fox Cemetery in Berkley, MA. A reception will be held following the burial at the Chamberlain Farm, 12 Friend Street in Berkley, hosted by Carol’s dear friend, Jacqui Chamberlain.
Remembrances may be made to Strengthen Your Mind Initiative ( SYMI) via www.strengthenyourmind.org or sent via mail to Cheryl Arbelo, 4 Highwood Place, Trumbull, CT 06611.