Obituary of Richard Patrick Carroll

Richard Patrick Carroll, 91 of Fort Wayne, IN, formerly of Lakewood, NY, died on October 27, 2016. Richard was born on July 7, 1925 in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was the beloved youngest child of the late Samuel L. and Carmen M. (Early) Carroll. He was preceded in death by his older three siblings whom he adored: John L. Carroll, Carmen "Betty" Kelly, and William F. Carroll. Richard graduated early from Hibbing High School to join the US Army Air Corps, actively serving our country from 1943-1946. In 1958, he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force Reserves. After majoring in business administration, Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During high school, Richard developed a hard work ethic on the Mesabi Iron Range while working in the open pit mines for the Oliver Mining Company. He began his extensive career in office furniture and manufacturing with M.G. West Company in San Francisco. In 1962, he joined Art Metal as Regional Manager and eventually covered all US territories. Richard originally joined AVM Corp. as Sales Manager of the Commercial and Industrial Furniture Group in Jamestown, NY in 1971. Then, he was elected Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Furniture Group of AVM Corp. From 1985-1992, Richard was the President of Jamestown Metal Manufacturing Corporation. Following a short retirement, aka boredom, he returned to work for his good friend, the late Andrew Connell, at Superior Jamestown-Adanlock. Richard was happily married to Diane (Barnhart) for 38 years before her death in 1990. Richard had two children who preceded him in death, Shannon (Carroll) Summers and infant son, Patrick Carroll. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Carroll (Robert) McArdle, and three granddaughters Savannah Carroll Summers, Meghan Diane McArdle and Colleen Beverly McArdle. Richard married the late Margery (Duggan) Carroll and enjoyed being part of a large family. Richard is survived by his step-children John Duggan (Parie), Mary Louise Babst (Chip), J. Kevin Duggan (Anne), Maureen Duggan, Patricia Bendis (Jeff), Brian Duggan (Carol), and Suzanne Watson. He was preceded in death by two stepchildren Kathleen Birsic and Michael Duggan. Richard also became a step-grandfather to 21 grandchildren. After living in 16 different cities, Richard found his "Camelot" in the community of Lakewood and remained there for 43 years. Richard was a member of the American Legion Post 1286, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Richard was a lifelong learner and history buff. He loved football, hockey, music and sailing. After retiring as Captain of The Cold Duck, he continued to appreciate the beauty of sailing by crafting replicas of famous ships. Epitomizing the Irish welcome, "Céad Mile Fáilte," Richard opened his home for all to enjoy his slice of heaven on the lake. Though he will be terribly missed, Dick will always be remembered as a good guy who captivated all generations through his storytelling and contagious sense of humor. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, November 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lakewood, NY. Monsignor Rev. David Rubino will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 3:00-5:00PM on Sunday, November 6 at Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Chautauqua Blind Association, 510 W. 5th Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or to Visiting Nurse/Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.