SCARBOROUGH – Patrick A. Carroll Sr., 82, died quietly in his sleep Thursday morning, April 17, 2008, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Scarborough, after a short illness. He was born March 15, 1926, in Houlton, son of John and Mary (McCarthy) Carroll. Patrick grew up in Houlton, attended Houlton schools and graduated from Houlton High School. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga and the APA USS Rawlings in combat in the South Pacific during World War II. After discharge from the Navy, he attended Husson College, Bangor and then returned to Houlton to work for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, where he worked until his retirement as chief train dispatcher. He married Mary Agnes Cunningham of Woodstock, New Brunswick, in 1951 and they raised six children together. Patrick and Mary moved to Bangor in 1974, when the railroad moved their main offices. Patrick became active in the local Elks club and was a lifetime member of Lodge No. 244 in Bangor. He proudly served as grand exalted ruler from 1984 to 1985, district deputy from 1996 to 1997, and state sergeant at arms from 1997 to 1998. He is remembered by his Elks brethren, including his best friend, Andy Constantine, as a dedicated, trusted and loyal companion. Patrick was also an active volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul Society and Cole Transportation Museum. Patrick retired from the railroad in 1986 and for the next several years, he and Mary enjoyed traveling, including several trips to California, Europe and Hawaii. They moved to Scarborough in 1997, to be closer to their children. Patrick lost his beloved wife, Mary, when she passed away in 1998. He was an active communicant at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church. His characteristic work ethic was important as he nurtured his children, and was always there for them when they needed him. Patrick spent his last days at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Scarborough, where he was surrounded by many friends and his family. Patrick is survived by his companion of several years, Alice Whitney; six children, Patrick of Falmouth, Daniel of Scarborough, Catherine Herbert of Portland, Michael of Williamsburg, Mary Jane of Scarborough and Anne L’Hereaux of Springvale; as well as several nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Interment will be after at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, alongside his wife Mary. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home for making Patrick’s last days as comfortable as possible, and for the respect and friendship shown by the entire staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, if desired, be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 290 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
PATRICK A. CARROLL SR.
