In Memoriam: Longtime Fair Havenite, Joe Carroll

Forever Fair Havenite Joseph Edmund Carroll passed away on Jan. 23.

“There was nothing Joe loved more than his family and Fair Haven.

“He was married to his wife, Mary Patricia, for over 60 years and together they raised one son and three daughters. He was always willing to get involved. Joe was a member of the Fair Haven Fire Department, spent time as a recreation commissioner, and was a long time coach of baseball and CYO basketball. Even when not in an official role, he was often seen umpiring softball games or moving the chains for Pop Warner football. Joe was a proponent of equality in sports well before it was popular. His daughters were among the first to play hardball with the boys instead of softball. He was at every game his children played, always cheering them on.”

Loved ones of Joe Carroll in his obituary
Ed Carroll … Photo/loved ones via Thompson Memorial Home

Born in Long Branch, Joe was a lifelong resident of Red Bank and Fair Haven. A star athlete in high school, Joe helped Croydon Hall Academy win the state basketball championship, his obituary said.

After graduating, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. After three years of active duty and several years in the reserves, he was honorably discharged and set his sights on Wall Street.

Over his 30-year career, he worked his way from an entry-level page to a member of the New York Stock Exchange, working for the First of Michigan Corporation.

After retiring, he started a second career in an area he loved — the outdoors. Joe was an avid fisherman, duck hunter, and gardener.  He worked for the Monmouth County Parks System into his 80s.

Joe is survived by: his wife Mary Patrica (Eddy); son, Patrick Carroll and wife Eileen; daughters, Sharon Everett and husband Michael, Maura Creekmore and husband Hill, and Megan Haran and husband Richard; and 12 grandchildren.

Joe is predeceased by his parents. Joseph and Florence Carroll (Hanisch).

— Edited obituary submitted by loved ones via Thompson Memorial Home