Thomas James Carroll

Thomas James Carroll, beloved husband, father and grandfather, of Carefree, passed away Aug. 30, 2013 at his favorite haunt, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. He was 86 years old.

Tom was born on June 13, 1927 in Newark, N.J. to Thomas and Mary Carroll, who emigrated from County Cavan, Ireland. He had three older sisters named Elizabeth, Katherine, and Eleanor.

He joined the United States Navy at the young age of 17 serving in WWII, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded two medals. After the war he attended Seton Hall University in New Jersey where he played guard on the basketball team, graduating with a degree in English.

In the 1950s, Tom founded Coastline Distributors, which supplied the aerospace industry with bonding materials used on NASA projects, aircraft and the space shuttles. He was married to Lillian Carroll on Sept. 13, 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Newark, N.J. They were happily married for 60 years.

He had two wonderful daughters, Colleen and Jacqueline. His whole life was spent surrounded by women, something he would tell often. His pride and joy were his two grandchildren, Phillips and Gabrielle.

He loved to play golf and was a past president of Indian Hills Country Club in Fort Salonga, N.Y. He enjoyed all sports and gaming at the casinos with his loving wife, Lillian, whom he always referred to as his “child bride.”

He was an avid reader and a frequent face at all the Suns, Cardinals, Rattlers and Phoenix Open events with his son-in-law, Phil. Phil was the son that Tom never had, always spending quality time together with family and friends.

Marci, Lillian's beloved dog, was with him day and night as his constant companion. He had been a Desert Mountain and Carefree resident for over 20 years where he was known and loved by all.

Tom was known for his generosity, kind heart and unselfishness. He never looked at his kindness as a weakness. What people remember about Thomas was that he was always dressed in a distinguished and respectful manner. He was, above all, the perfect embodiment of the word gentleman.

Tom will be remembered at a celebration of life at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, on Friday, Sept. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the same date as Tom and Lillian’s 61st wedding anniversary.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Messingers Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. Viewing will begin at 2 p.m. with services at 3 p.m.