Carl Gregory Hooper

Carl Gregory Hooper
September 22, 1931-September 2, 2025
GOSHEN - Carl, 93, died on the morning of September 2 at his home of 50 years in Goshen, Connecticut. Born in the Bronx, he was raised in Harlem, living near historic Strivers' Row and the Jumel Mansion. After graduating from the High School of Commerce, Carl became the first African American to be hired by Union Carbide Corporation. He started in the mailroom and worked his way up to the Realty Division as an accounting supervisor.
Carl was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in France, while his brother Vance was stationed in Korea. Carl always thanked his older brother for ensuring he wasn't assigned to the active war front.
After his time at Union Carbide, Carl brought his organizational skills to several nonprofits and later worked on establishing methadone maintenance programs during the John Lindsay administration. In 1974, he moved to Goshen and worked for the Hartford Dispensary, followed by 14 years as Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic in Litchfield. He later served in various Connecticut state agencies and at The Glenholme School in Washington Depot.
Pretty much everyone liked Carl. His personality was one of calm acceptance, relaxation, and quiet humor. His tastes included his 1961 Mark 2 Jaguar, classical and jazz music, and Brooks Brothers. He dedicated time to many local nonprofits, civic groups, and even overacted in Goshen Players' productions. During the latter years he traveled but especially gloried in the presence of his family and allowed his wife of 56 years, Janet to "do her thing".
Carl outlived his parents, Hilda and Vance; his stepfather, Bill; his three brothers, Vance, Monty, and Gary; and his grandson, Shane. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his children, Gregoriann Rollins, her husband Tito, Holly Hooper, Carla Hooper Angevine, her husband Tim, Britton Kinsella, her husband Iain; his grandchildren, Bailey, Andrew, Rowan, Maeve, and Ainsley; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The family plans a "Carl Party" at the Goshen Players Old Town Hall in Goshen on Sunday, October 12, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. It will be his final act.
In his memory, donations may be made to The Shane Kinsella Memorial Children's Fund, Town of Goshen, 42A North Street, Goshen, CT 06756.
For online condolences, kindly visit www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com.