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SHOREWOOD – Harold E. “Gene” Carroll, 83, of Shorewood, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was the oldest of three children born on Sept. 21, 1932, in Amboy, to Harold and Georgia (Longman) Carroll. He married Frances Morrissey on Sept. 3, 1956, at St. Patrick Church in Amboy. Gene was a graduate of Amboy High School and attended Marquette University in Wisconsin before he enlisted in the Army. Sgt. First Class Carroll was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in Korea. After returning home from the service, Gene went to work with his father and uncle at Friendly Motors in Amboy. He also attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. Soon after, he began a distinguished career at State Farm and held numerous auto claims positions that spanned nearly 40 years.
Gene was a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood. Before this, he was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Romeoville, where he served as school board president for several years as well as being a member of various organizations in the church. Additionally, he served on the Romeoville Recreation and the Mosquito Abatement boards. Gene was especially proud of his 60-year membership in the American Legion. Gene and Frances continued their involvement in their nine children’s Catholic education through St. Andrew School, Joliet Catholic, St. Francis Academy, and Joliet Catholic Academy, with Jubilation being one of their favorite fundraising events.
The most important things in Gene’s life were love of God, love of his wife and family, and love of his country. He instilled in all of his family the beautiful legacy of holiday traditions, such as cooking and baking, which he so dearly loved. Gene enjoyed many family gatherings at Dry Gulch, a cabin in the family for more than 45 years in Amboy. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, and eternally hopeful that his favorite baseball team would make it to the World Series. Gene was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling to Leech Lake, Minnesota, with his wife and family. He took great pride in his garden and beautification of his home. During his retirement years, he loved spending time with his wife, and enjoying the activities and achievements of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Up to his final moments, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were at his side.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances; nine children, Stephanie (Mark) Mastrogiovanni of Naperville, Kathleen Carroll, Ann Prehn, and Susan (John) Harrison, all of Shorewood, Michael (Gayle) Carroll of Bakersfield, California; Mary (Brett) Dyche of Ottawa, Patrick (Valarie) Carroll of Minooka, Jennifer (Michael) Jones of Joliet, and Mark (Andrea) Carroll of North Aurora; and special foster child, Renee Ravenot. In addition, Gene is survived by 24 grandchildren, Adam (Joanna) Mastrogiovanni, Melissa (Zach) Dyrda, Kelly (Thomas) White, Patrick and Christopher Prehn, Grant and Meghan Harrison, Allison (Matt) Butin, Eric and Sean Carroll, Justin, Elizabeth, Katherine, Zachary, and Natalie Dyche, Jake Pesevento, Collin Fleming, Ella and Mia Carroll, Ryan and Geena Jones, and Jack, Samuel and William Carroll. He also is survived by six great-grandchildren, Mikayla Pamal, Katie Mastrogiovanni, Lucas Dyrda, and Kiersten, Charlotte, and Maura White. Gene also is survived by his loving brother, Donald (Lee) Carroll of Genoa; and beloved sister, Nancy (Dr. Martin) Mihm of Sarasota, Florida. He will be fondly remembered by his many Carroll, Dickenson, and Morrissey relatives and numerous friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia and Harold Carroll; niece, Tracy Mihm; son-in-law, Steven Prehn; and numerous beloved relatives.
Special acknowledgements are noted for Gene’s devoted caregivers and compassionate staff from Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Alden Estates of Naperville, Advantage Home Health, and Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, 303 E. Main St., Amboy. Visitation also will be from
9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 32 N. Jones Ave., Amboy, with the Rev. Timothy Draper officiating. Burial, with full military honors accorded by Amboy American Legion, will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy.
Gene was a very proud husband, father, and grandfather. His presence and love of life left a profound impact on those who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed, but will live forever in all of our hearts.
Memorials will be established by the family.
Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.