Name: Calling hours for Rev. John Carr
Start: 2023-09-30T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-09-30T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford

Rev. John Carr died peacefully at his home in Wallingford, CT, in the company of his beloved wife, Maggie. He was born in Carbondale, PA, in the middle of a spring blizzard, to Alden and Isabella Carr. He spent his early childhood in Lake Como, PA, then Hancock and Hunter, NY, and, at age 10, moved to Derby Ct., where he began his life-long involvement in both scouting and Methodism.

He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1953, and from Yale Divinity School in 1957, which he followed with an STM degree in 1968. His calling took him first to the parish ministry, in churches in Hauppauge, NY and North Haven CT, and, later, into positions in hospital chaplaincy at Yale New Haven Hospital and Gaylord Hospital. He loved teaching, and had many students over the years who he helped guide in their own work as chaplains.

His work as a minister was inextricable from his commitment to social justice, and he remained a fierce and dedicated advocate and activist throughout his life. From marching in Selma, to his work on disability rights, to his support of reconciling congregations who seek to assure full inclusion for LGBTQ members, he was unequivocal in his insistence that all people deserve grace, and dignity.

He loved having come from Derby, and was proud and honored to be an Eagle Scout.

He also loved peanut butter, pizza (sometimes peanut butter with pizza), books, the New York Yankees, and the company of excellent cats, the last of whom, Grover, predeceased him in 2013.

In addition to his wife, Maggie, he is survived by his children, David and Karen, and their spouses, Lorraine and Russell. He also leaves 5 grandchildren, whom he adored, and who were delighted to know and love him as "Pop": Brendan, Noah, Caeli, Joshua, and Nathaniel.

Calling hours will be from 3-5pm on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N Main Street Ext, Wallingford, CT 06492.

All are welcome at a Memorial celebration of John's life, on Sunday, October 1, at 2pm, at Faith United Methodist Church, 81 Clintonville Rd, North Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to First and Summerfield United Methodist Church, 425 College Street, New Haven, CT 06511, or Southern Poverty Law Center, Mail Processing Center, SPLC, PO Box 8952, Topeka, KS 66608-8952

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Carr

Sponsored by the family.

16 Entries

David Buehler

December 18, 2023

We will all miss John's creative brilliance as a reall MENSCH! It seems as if every minute of every day he was teaching me to both live and love by his example!

Kris Reiber

October 6, 2023

I'm saddened to hear of Rev. Carr's passing. Though I did not know him personally, I see the content of his character to be strong as we are both brothers of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity. From what you shared in his obituary, his acceptance, and his advocacy for all around him, he continued to live our Creed of eliminating prejudice throughout his life!

Please know that I have recorded his passing in our database so that when our next annual gathering occurs this summer, our brotherhood will honor and remember him one final time. Each year, we call a roll of brothers who joined our Chapter Eternal the previous year. With each name called, our brothers reply "Here" in their stead. On behalf of Pi Lambda Phi, please accept our sincere condolences. I hope that his loved ones can celebrate his life and memory together.

Brother Mine Forever,
Kris Reiber

Tova & John

Planted Trees

Peter Schott

September 20, 2023

I remember meeting John for the first time when we were loaded up and taken to the Gaylord for some service time when I was a youth. I had no idea what to expect, just that we were going to help out for a while. John met us and offered to shake "hands" and enjoyed the reaction that usually got. I kept going back to serve, bringing people to the worship service as needed or sometimes even trying to play music as part of the service. I remember that John had a love for his flock at the hospital and wanted to be sure that he shared the gospel with them.

Sharon Paradise Bolles

September 19, 2023

I knew Rev. Carr through my many different jobs at Gaylord and my mom, Louise Paradise, switchboard operator at Gaylord.
Rev. Carr was such a sweet man, very diversified, after reading his obituary.
God bless his entire family.

Allen and Trudi Schott

September 17, 2023

We used to bring our youth class to Gaylord to help Rev. Carr with the services. My Son, Peter, went by himself to play for the services during his high school years.
He was a gentle servant of the Lord, and a great teacher for the visiting youth. I'll miss him as a pastoral care leader.
d

Deborah Quarz

September 17, 2023

I remember John from working at Gaylord hospital . He was such a kind person

Leslie Sheahon

September 16, 2023

I remember Rev Carr when I was a patient at Gaylord Hospital. He was a wonderful and understanding man who always took the time to talk and pray with me. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie (Daniel) Sheahon

Kirk Dobihal

September 14, 2023

I remember Rev Carr from as far back as the 60's when he worked at the Dept of Religious Ministries at Yale New Haven. He came to our home in Hamden - I think the adults in the room belonged to a group called Genesis. He was an amazing man and an example of the best of us.

Kathleen LaCamera

September 14, 2023

I’m grateful to John for the warm welcome he extended me when I first came to New Haven as a divinity student. Though I saw him rarely since moving abroad, when I did see him, he never failed to ask after my family and extend warm greetings. God bless you, John, and all who love and will miss you.

Marilyn Fuller

September 13, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nancy Freyberg

September 13, 2023

There are so many wonderful things to say about John. He was my mentor studying to be a chaplain at Gaylord. My first question ever to him was, how do you tie your tie or button your buttons? His answer, with patience and a smile was, "just like you do." We went on from there to forge a meaningful relationship lasting long after my internship. He taught me so much - not just about buttons - about life and the many ways to approach so many questions. He is forever in my heart as are you, Maggie. God's Peace and grace to you now.

Kate Tinghitella

September 13, 2023

What a great friend John has been to so many people. He was always lifting people up, no matter who or where they were and he did that for me also, I was honored to have been at his wedding to his beloved Maggie and watch their love grow over the years. He will be greatly missed and memories will be cherished. Blessings to all of his family.

Don and Robyn Migliozzi

September 13, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Diane Garland

September 12, 2023

Maggie and family so sorry to hear of your loss. I have known John for many years and have fond memories of working with him and volunteering at Gaylord when he was the Chaplin there. Prayers for healing and comfort.

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