Rev. Eugene R. Carr

Reverend Eugene R. Carr died on the 13th day of July, 2025, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for sixty-two years.

Father Carr, son of the late Eugene F. “Gene” Carr and Elizabeth Theresa “Betty” Trovitch Carr, was born in Hazleton on July 10, 1935. He was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and attended Saint Bonaventure University, Olean, New York where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Father studied for the priesthood at Christ the King Seminary, Olean, New York and was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1963 by the Most Reverend Jerome D. Hannan D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Father Carr received a summer assignment as Assistant Pastor pro tem at Christ the King, Dunmore in July 1963 and was appointed Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hazleton in September of that year. He was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Mary’s Avoca in September 1966 and in September 1969 Father was appointed Assistant Pastor at Holy Rosary, Scranton.

In July 1978, Father Carr received his first pastorate at St. Basil, Dushore. His next appointment was Pastor at Sacred Heart of Mary, Jermyn in February 1985 where he served for eleven years. In July 1996, Father Carr was appointed Pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Scranton and was appointed Senior Priest in July 2000. Father Carr retired on July 5, 2000.

Reverend Carr celebrated the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, DD., J.C.L. on June 8, 2023.

Father enjoyed following UCONN basketball and enjoyed gathering with friends. He loved to plant trees wherever he was stationed and they are all still growing, beautifying the grounds. He also liked to share his knowledge of gardening with others. He will be remembered for his kindness and how he tried to get to know each individual, what they liked, what they needed, and what he could provide.

In addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by a nephew Joseph J. Lestishock on November 3, 2003, and a brother-in-law Joseph Lestishock on November 27, 1977.

Father Carr is survived by his sister Marjorie Lestishock of Allentown, PA, and his brother James P. Carr of Lancaster, PA. Father is also survived by his niece Lisa A. Lestishock and her husband Alfonso Estrada of Oakland, CA, and by several cousins from the Trovitch and Carr families, and by many friends.

Viewing will take place Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mary Mother of God Parish, 316 William Street, Scranton, PA. A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of God Parish, 316 William Street, Scranton, PA. A viewing will also take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums, PA.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA.

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com.