Dr. Gary Francis Carroll

1944 - 2020

Dr. Gary Francis Carroll, an internist for 46 years with specialties in Infectious Diseases and Emergency Medicine, died on Monday, April 13, 2020. He was 75. Dr. Carroll was born in New Orleans on December 6, 1944. He was the devoted son of Ida Mae and Jack Francis Carroll. Gary was salutatorian of the Jesuit High School class of 1962, a summa cum laude graduate of Loyola University in 1966, and first in the class of 1970 from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans. Following an internship, residency and fellowship in infectious diseases at Charity Hospital, Dr. Carroll spent two years at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, 1974-1976. On his return to New Orleans, he was on staff at Charity Hospital training Emergency Medicine residents, as well as associate clinical professor at both LSU and Tulane Medical Centers. During this time, he was also Associate Chief of Staff for Ambulatory Care at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. In 1995, he entered private practice in internal medicine. Dismissing any talk of retirement, Dr. Carroll remained in active practice until shortly before his death. He was a member of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and the Orleans Parish Medical Society. Colleagues describe Gary as an astute clinician with an unmatchable intellect. An old school physician, he considered a detailed history from the patient as important as any physical findings and lab results. Colleagues and patients alike marveled at his ability to diagnose decisively when confronted with baffling symptoms. And he was the trusted go-to doctor to many of his friends and their family members, someone to call for care or advice. Gary was known for his generosity and deep connection to friends, several of whom are former high school and medical school classmates. He was the top student who shared his class notes, the guest who stayed behind after a party to help with the cleanup, the one who remembered friends' children and grandchildren at Christmas. More than one friend claimed Gary as a member of their extended family. Beyond his professional life, Gary had other interests to which he brought his signature enthusiasm and curiosity. After his mother's death, Gary kept her shop, Twig's Antiques, open on weekends to serve her faithful customers. But he was more than a proprietor. He inherited from his mother a love for antique jewelry, an appreciation for the artisanship and its beauty. The history of many of the pieces was as important to Gary as the pieces themselves. He bought many with specific customers in mind. Kindred spirits came to Twig's to buy a gift for a special occasion or add to a personal collection, but also to sit and visit with Mrs. Carroll, and then with Gary. Gary's home was his domain. He was an avid gardener and tended an extensive garden, his own vision, that today is a profusion of color and scent - blooming roses, azaleas and jasmine. He was an energetic, meticulous cook who often prepared four-course meals using cherished recipes from his mother. Gary loved movies, particularly the classics, and could give detailed plot synopses and recite dialogue from his favorites. As a young boy, he went to the movies alone, often watching three features at a time. Gary gave generously to several charities, including donations to the cause of Father Seelos, the Redemptorist priest who cared for New Orleans' yellow fever victims, as well as to animal rights and rescue groups. He leaves behind a close-knit family of friends, including longtime co-worker Holly F. Maronge and friend Kay Godfrey, along with two beloved cats, Thelma and Louise. He will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and generous spirit. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2020 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie followed by a graveside ceremony in Garden of Memories Cemetery. For those who may not be able to attend, the graveside service will be livestreamed on the Facebook page of Garden of Memories Funeral Home, www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com beginning at approximately 11:10 AM. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.