John J. Carroll Jr, 74, of Mission Hill, Boston MA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a long history of complex illnesses.
John grew up on Mission Hill and attended the Boston Trade School before joining the Navy in 1969. Upon discharge from the Navy, John married his wife of fifty years, Diane, and attended evening classes at Northeastern University. John divided his work life between Sears Roebuck and Company and Massachusetts College of Art.
John enjoyed running model trains creating the Inner City Garden Railroad Club and showcasing his popular circus-themed layout at Boston Children’s Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation in order to bring a moment of joy to others. Summer vacations with family were spent on long road trips, camping and driving cross-country to different train conventions and the country’s most beautiful and unique local sites. Completely devoted to his children and grandchildren John attended every field trip, dance recital and softball game even when his health suggested he slow down.
Born January 23, 1950 in Boston MA. Predeceased by his father John Carroll Sr. of Charlestown and mother Eva M. (Howe) Carroll of Charlestown.
John was the beloved husband of Diane M. (Kelly) Carroll, of Mission Hill. Cherished father to daughter Kelly (Carroll) Oldach of Southborough, MA, and her husband Jonathan Oldach; daughter Erin (Carroll) O’Connell of Ashland, MA and her husband Christopher O’Connell. Dedicated Papa to his grandchildren Benjamin, Abigail, Matthew and Eva.
Brother of the late Edward T. Carroll of Hyde Park; the late Dorothy (Carroll) Graham of New Hampshire and her husband William Graham (deceased); the late Alice (Carroll) McCarthy and her husband Thomas McCarthy (deceased) of Carver, MA; sister Mary Carroll of Florida; sister Rita (Carroll) Beady and her husband Howard Beady of South Easton, MA; sister Helen Carroll of Jamaica Plain.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of John’s life on Thursday, August 15 at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury. Visiting hours are Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m and again on Friday, August 16 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help “Mission Church”, 1545 Tremont Street Boston, for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10:00 a.m. For directions and guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to either of his favorite charities; Children’s Hospital Boston or Wounded Warrior Project.