Alban Carroll Sr.

Alban D. Carroll Sr.,

88, died on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, in the Reading

Hospital

surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren and wife of 66 years, Catherine L. (Gaspari), who will always remember the strength of his love and the security of his devotion to them.

His greatest legacy is the close and strong family he began as a young husband and father, and continued for over 60 years as father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Known as "A.D." to col-leagues, and sometimes called "Samson" by employees for his legendary strength and endurance, he was the owner of A.D. Carroll, Inc., a mushroom farm with locations in Temple and Fleetwood, from 1951 to 1990.

For more than 70 years, he enjoyed operating his ham radio as "Big Al" under the call letters K3GNK, speaking to "on air" friends he made throughout the U.S. and the world.

Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, to the late Edward J. and Barbara (Roehm) Carroll on Dec. 16, 1924, Alban grew up in Kennett Square, PA, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

From the age of 17, he served proudly in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII, primarily on the battleship South Dakota.

A true hero of the "greatest generation," Alban endured a period of time as a prisoner of war of the Japanese before being rescued by U.S. Army Rangers.

His physical strength, ferocious work ethic and single-minded strength of character, through which he had

become the heavyweight boxing champion of the 7th Fleet, allowed him to survive the ordeal of a tropical prison camp and to live the rest of his life with great success.

In addition to his wife, Alban is survived by a son, Alban D. Carroll Jr. (Dave), Muhlenburg Township, husband of Anne (Sokolowski) Carroll, Esq., and president of Giorgi Mushroom Com-pany and affiliated companies; daughter, Kathleen (Carroll) Hittner, M.D., wife of Barry G. Hittner, Esq., Warwick, RI; daughter, Jo-Ann (Carroll) DeWire, VMD, wife of Dennis Bukov-sky, Bernville, PA, and owner of Douglassville Veterinary Hospital.

Also surviving are three grandchildren: Thomas De-Wire, Durham N.C., husband of Sabine Shoenbach, Esq.; Lori (Carroll) Israeli, Esq., Ardmore, PA, wife of David Israeli; and Geoffrey DeWire, DVM, Douglassville, PA.

He also leaves behind his four beloved great-grand-children: Violet and Elliott DeWire, and Graham and

Eliana Israeli.

In addition to his parents, Alban was predeceased by his beloved grandson, Jeremy Carroll, and by sisters Marie A. (Carroll) Becker and Jean B. (Carroll) Qualls, whose husband, Tom Qualls, California, also survives him.

As a father, Alban's example of determination, and his strong encouragement spurred each of his children to pursue and achieve their dreams and most importantly to establish their own strong families.

At this sad time, we admire his life well-lived and are very grateful for the many years we had together.

He saw all of his grand-children grow up and had the opportunity to enjoy his great-grandchildren, who will be able to remember him when they hear the many fond stories about Pop Pop, his nicknames for family members, favorite sayings, and tips for avoiding the pitfalls of life.

Funeral services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Milkins Giles Funeral Home, Inc., 4914 Kutztown Road, Temple, PA.

Kindly omit flowers. Contributions in honor of Alban D. Carroll Sr. may be made to The Jeremy Carroll Foundation, 601 Meadow Lane, Reading, PA 19605.

Online condolences may be offered at www.milkinsgiles.com.