Mr. Eliajah R. Eli Carroll

UTICA- Eliajah "Eli" Carroll, age 32, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday September 4, 2022, as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Swansea, Massachusetts.
Eliajah was born December 12, 1989, in New Hartford, New York, to Darrell A. Carroll and Valerie A. Ziemba. He was educated in Utica, having attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and graduating from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 2008. Eliajah continued his studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Kingsborough Community College, both in New York City.
While residing in New York City, Eliajah was employed as a mixologist, learning the craft from world renowned mixologist, Justin Noel. Eliajah took his craft very seriously, working at some of the biggest bars and restaurants in New York City. He became well known for crafting unique cocktails incorporating fresh juices and hand-crafted syrups embodying not only the season but the "flavors" of the locality as well. Eliajah's personality was such that he had the ability to "command" the room, making his customers feel welcomed and understood while creating cocktails "on the fly" to incorporate their specific tastes. Eliajah took his talents to Austin, Texas where he resided and continued his craft for a few years before relocating to Providence, Rhode Island. Eliajah's creativity earned him notoriety in the industry where he was the recipient of several awards. He participated in several mixology contests over the years and was particularly proud of winning Cocktail wars NYC under the persona Eli "Sweet Feet" Carroll. The challenges of life and the bar/restaurant industry took their toll on Eliajah, eventually causing him to seek a career change. In March 2022, Eliajah took a position with Citizen's Bank working as a customer service representative in the call center.
Eliajah had many interests and hobbies. As a child he loved the sport of boxing, often entertaining the idea of taking up the sport. He also enjoyed watching WWE wresting, and practicing the signature moves of various WWE superstars on his brothers and friends. It was no surprise that when the opportunity to try out to participate in a Rough N' Rowdy boxing event in Providence came about, Eliajah jumped at the chance. He was ultimately chosen to participate in the event under the previously created persona of Eli "Sweet Feet" Carroll. He was thrilled beyond belief when he won his match, fulfilling a childhood dream of sorts. Eliajah was avid sports fan. He enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams and athletes both on television and in person. Elijah was obsessed with statistics and spent countless hours researching before making his selections in his Fantasy Football Leagues, March Madness Brackets, and Kentucky Derby picks.
Eliajah was an intense personality in the most positive and negative senses of the word. He loved making people laugh with his raw and often inappropriate sense of humor. His friends describe his as the "life of the party" and have years' worth of his antics to fondly remember him by. When the intensity with which he lived his life became overwhelming Eliajah took to the beach, sunsets, and Charter Boat Fishing to find solace.
Eliajah is survived by his parents, Darrell Carroll, Valerie Ziemba, and Robert McLean; maternal grandparents, Joseph Ziemba, DeEtta Ziemba, and Joseph Paxhia; siblings, Paris McLean, Mariah McLean, Morganne McLean, MaKinlee McLean, Bryce McLean, and Xavier McLean, as well as Nyla Nicole Carroll and Keyon Wilson. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family; as well as a multitude of fantastic friends. Eliajah's canine companion Nina was the love of his life, she and his seven snakes, whom he was proud to own and care for, are being cared for by his family. Eliajah was preceded by his brother, Caleb A. McLean Sr., who passed away on November 27, 2016; as well as his paternal grandparents, Allen Carroll, Cheryl Thomas, and Freddie Taylor. Eliajah's family would like to give recognition to his special friend Sarah Yacko; although they had not known each other very long, Sarah brought joy and hope to Eliajah, she was there for him as he faced life's most recent challenges.
Visitation will be held Sunday September 18, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave, Utica. Eliajah's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation. Eliajah's family graciously accepts contributions in his name to the Wildlife Warriors Foundation online at https://wildlifewarriors.org.au/donate or to the Swansea Animal Rescue (who cared for his pets until they could get there to retrieve them) by mail to 68 Stevens Rd., Swansea, MA 02777; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.