Eugene J. Carroll

Eugene J. Carroll, 87, of Macedon, NY, formerly of Interlaken, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester, NY after a valiant battle with heart disease.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ovid. Prayers of Committal with full Military Honors will immediately follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Ovid. The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Gene’s memory to kindly consider Hildebrandt Hospice Center, Rochester Regional Health Foundations, 330 Monroe Ave., Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/donate

He is survived by his wife Gunhild “Chris” Carroll of Macedon, his children Timothy (Magee) Carroll of Cary NC, Karen (Tammy) Carroll of Cortland NY, Jane (Davida) Carroll of South Hill SC, and Steven (Lonni) Carroll of Retsof, NY; his 9 grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie, Nicholas, Derek, Jayda, Maya, Kaleigh, Steven Jr and Evan; sisters in law, Pat (Paul) Carroll, Donna (Jim) Christensen, brother-in-law Carl (Ginny) Christensen, a special friend, Samantha Rubeck, as well as countless nieces and nephews. Eugene “Gene, Zeke, Poppop” is predeceased by two infant daughters, Patricia Ann and Maureen Joan, his siblings Betty (Howard) Smith, Paul (Pat) Carroll, Mark (Leatha) Carroll, and Mary (Dominic) Badalamenti, and a daughter in law, Davida Deaton.

He was born May 5, 1933 in Willard, NY, the son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Lochren) Carroll.Gene grew up in Willard, NY, attending Ovid High School (1949-1952), where he was a talented athlete, winning numerous individual and team awards in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He was drafted into the US Navy in 1952, proudly serving his country in the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Lake Champlain, then stationed in Naples, Italy. He was proud to have traveled over 3/4's of the world with the Navy. 

Upon his return to his beloved Finger Lakes, Gene began his career at Willard Psychiatric Center (formerly Willard Sate Hospital), retiring as a Sergeant in the Safety Patrol in 1988. He also served as a deputy in the Seneca County Sherriff’s department for many years, and retired after 20 years of service in the US Army reserves.

In 1958, Gene married Gunhild “Chris” Christensen and settled in the South Seneca area (Willard, Ovid, Interlaken). Together they raised their 4 children and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. 

As an active member of the community, Gene attended countless school events, cheering for his children and many nieces and nephews. He was a life member of VFW Post 6200, serving as Commander for several years. In addition, he served as church council president and chairman of the annual barbecue as an active member of St. Francis Solanus Church of Interlaken. Gene was also a founding member and former Vice President of the USS Lake Champlain Association and looked forward to spending time with new and old lifelong friends at the annual ships' reunion at various port locations across the US. 

Gene's gregarious personality (and favorite Navy baseball cap) easily created instant connections with fellow veterans, while traveling the world with his wife Chris, enjoying their retirement years together. He was proud of his military service and delighted in sharing his many memories and experiences. 

As much as Gene enjoyed his friendships and travel, there was no greater joy than spending time with his family. The unconditional love he had for his children spilled over in abundance to his nine grandchildren, sharing a loving and unique bond with each one. He delighted in having a large, extended family, and held a special place in his heart for every member. 

Eugene, Gene, Zeke, Poppop will be immensely missed by family and friends, his memory cherished forever.

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