Richard Patrick Carroll

Richard Patrick Carroll, known as Dick, passed away on June 19, 2024, in Laconia, New Hampshire, at the age of 84. He is fondly remembered by everyone who knew him as a clever and caring man who never let his considerable challenges limit him from enjoying family, food, fashion, travel, adventure, and, above all, life. 

Born on February 28, 1940, in Syracuse, NY, Dick had an Irish-Italian, Catholic upbringing. He served as an altar boy, then attended Christian Brothers Academy, LeMoyne College, and finally seminary. Deciding that he wanted a family, he ultimately chose a different path for service, joining the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Dick attended Officer Training School, served as a training officer and later as an intelligence officer in Key West, Florida, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military career came to an early end when he was paralyzed in a car accident, leading to his meeting with USAF 2nd Lt. Hilda Bolstridge, RN, at Maxwell AFB Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. The couple married on June 11, 1966, and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. 

Dick and Hilda settled in Dover, NH, where Dick resumed his education at the University of New Hampshire. He obtained master's degrees in English literature and education. His love of language, literature, and learning were passed on to his son, Sean, who is an editor, and daughter Jennifer, a librarian. His post-military career was varied: he was a civil service contract officer for the Air Force, a language and literature teacher, a reading specialist, and a tutor.  

Dick's love of travel began when his young family relocated for a year to Hemel Hempstead, England, where he did his student teaching, and where he made friendships that lasted the rest of his life. Wherever his travels took him, Dick wanted to experience everything, and he did--from whiskey tasting in Ireland, mountain-climbing in Provence, and sightseeing in Rome, to soaking in Japanese hot springs and riding camels in the Canary Islands. Wherever he went, he had a huge appetite for local food and drink, whether a hole in the wall or a Michelin star restaurant. He never let his physical challenges stand in the way of a new adventure--ideally followed by a good meal. 

Dick was a dapper man who loved a good Harris Tweed suit and wasn't afraid to pair it with an ascot. He did love his bright, flamboyant colors. His sense of humor, by contrast, was dark and subtle, and he retained it to the very end.

 Dick passed away surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Hilda Carroll; son, Sean Carroll and daughter-in-law, Mieko Suzuki; daughter, Jennifer Giordano and son-in-law, Rick Giordano (who was a second son to him); and sister, Ivana Ripley and her family. 

A celebration of his life will take place on August 13 in Barnstead, on Suncook Lake, after a 10 AM service at the Veterans' Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. A Mass will be celebrated in his memory in Farmington, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Home.