Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph DeCarolis Obituary
LEOMINSTER - Joseph J. "Deke" DeCarolis, Sr. 78, well-known local educator of Leominster passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27th, 2014.
Deke was born in Pittsfield, MA on September 8th, 1935. He was the son of the late Dominic and Phyllis (Magri) DeCarolis. He graduated from Leominster High School, class of 1953. He later went on to attend Dean Junior College, graduated from Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Deke earned his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He also served in the Military.
Deke was a member of the Leominster Lodge of Elks and Monoosnock Country Club for over 50 years, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Leominster Municipal Employees Credit Union.
The greatest achievement of Deke's life was his lifelong passion and dedication as an educator in his beloved city of Leominster. He was a man that loved and cared deeply for the thousands of students whose lives he touched throughout his 35 year career. He particularly took special interest in those less fortunate and those in need. He was Principal at Gallagher and Carter Junior High, Bennett Street, Priest Street and Northwest Schools. After retirement he served as Principal in the Ayer/Shirley and Westminster school systems. He was most proud of being appointed the very first Principal and his role in the opening of Southeast School. If you attended any of his schools you were one of "his kids". He knew every child and never forgot a name. There was no stronger advocate for the children of Leominster.
Deke was a great sports fan and never missed a Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox or Bruins game, but his primary love was Leominster sports, especially Leominster Football. His love of football dates back to his playing days for the Blue Devils. He rarely missed a game especially later in life when he took pride in watching his many grandsons play. He loved nothing better than when his kids and grandchildren beat arch rival Fitchburg on Thanksgiving morning. He was a devoted supporter of the program. He was inducted into the Leominster Football Hall of Fame in 2011 as a member of his 1952 undefeated team. He forever cherished his many wonderful memories especially those of his teammates.
He is survived by and will be sorely missed by his four children, Marcia A. Murphy, Joseph J. DeCarolis, Jr. and his wife Lisa, Margot Xarras and her husband James, Christine Binkunski and her husband David, all of Leominster. The pride of his life were his 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth E. Murphy, Thomas F. DeCarolis, Kayla L. DeCarolis, Kathleen E. Murphy, Matthew D. Binkunski, Nicholas A. Xarras, Michael A. Xarras, Timothy J. DeCarolis, Jamie M. Xarras, Katherine E. Binkunski, James L. Xarras, Jr. and David M. Binkunski, his brothers Anthony J. DeCarolis and his wife Carol of Leominster and John DeCarolis of Wilmington, Delaware, his brother in law Ralph A. Swanson, Jr. and sister in law Leslie Beberman. Also, he leaves two very special friends Janet Bracani and Janet Tata.
Deke was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years Karen (Swanson) DeCarolis in May of 2004, and his son in law Martin F. Murphy in 2009.
We will always treasure our fond memories of his backyard cookouts and gatherings with family and friends, especially our special Fourth of July times in Maine which Dad loved so much.
Deke and his family would like to thank the many wonderful people who have touched us all throughout his lifetime. His presence in the community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster with a mass at 9:30 am in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main Street, Leominster. Burial with military honors will be in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 2, 2014 from 3-8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the CAPS Collaborative, Attn: Ed McCaul, The Kelly Day Program for Special Needs, 53 School Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or the Doyle Field Foundation, c/o John Lastella , 200 Mt. Laurel Circle, Shirley, MA 01464.
richardsonfuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeCarolis
Larry Boissoneau
May 6, 2014
Joey and family, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great friend that I had the pleasure to know.
May 5, 2014
I missed the wake due to illness and wish to express my deepest sympathies to Margo, Joey and all of Deke's family.
Jack Bangrazi
Lu & Dick Brideau
May 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss..our deepest sympathy.. he will be missed.
Lorraine Palazzi
May 3, 2014
Friends and Family of Deke. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Deke. Just arrived home from TX, visiting my sister. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Love, Lorraine Palazzi
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
May 3, 2014
Joe DeCarolis and Family,
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark, Karyn and Matt Ouellette
Adelina Bianco
May 2, 2014
RIP Mr. DeCarolis
May 2, 2014
Some of my happiest years of teaching were at Joe's S.E.school. He was the best boss and a wonderful inspiration.How fortunate we all were to know and love him. Helen Novick. Boston, Ma.
Sharon Waltermire
May 2, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the DeCarolis family. He was a wonderful man. I went to school with Joey and knew Christine she dated my brother, David, in high school. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 1, 2014
To the Wonderful DeCarolis Family
Shaun and I are sending our
deepest sympathies.
We cherish the Friendship of
your Mom and Dad.
Love,
Betty Scanlon
Lynne Piermarini
May 1, 2014
I can't begin to express my sadness. Joe was certainly one of a kind. I trained under him at Southeast School as a student teacher. He supported me in so many ways. I was later fortunate enough to teach under his leadership at Priest Street School. His greeting every morning as we walked through the doors was, "Good morning, are you ready to work for the people?" And that greeting was so reflective of who he was... always working for the people, whether they were colleagues, students, or his family. I pray that he knew how loved he was by so many. I pray that the love that he nurtured in everyone helps you as you mourn his passing. He will live in your hearts forever. His memory will continue be a source of encouragement to all who were fortunate enough to know him. My love and sympathies to the entire DeCarolis family.
May 1, 2014
To the Decarolis, Xarras, Binkunski & Murphy families,
Grampy D. was an amazing guy! He will deeply be missed by everyone. His smile will go on.
Take Care,
The Banchs Family
Linda Raimon
May 1, 2014
Sending thoughts and prayers from Florida.
Joe Raimon & Navy Brousseau
Dottie (Johnson) Bartholomew
May 1, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the DeCarolis family. We couldn't have asked for a better leader when we, a group of young teachers opened the new Southeast School. "Deke" encouraged us to succeed in a new concept in education. He made us all, staff and students feel like family. His door was always open. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
pat Bassi
May 1, 2014
To all my cousins..Our deepest sorrow for the loss of a great man..As a child he was my hero..A mans man..Tough as nails but soft as jelly..I will always treasure my personal times with him as a boy,young man and later..God bless
Kathy DeVarney
May 1, 2014
I was one of his students at Southeast and at M.A Gallagher I have great memories of Mr.D he use to call me Awesome all the time.He will truley be missed My prayers go out to his family. Mr. D I will miss you so much love and total RESPECT...
Christine Louise DeCarolis
April 30, 2014
Very sorry for the loss of your father, he was an incredible man, Gods Speed to him....
Margot (McNamara) Vine
April 30, 2014
The photo of Deke brings back so many fond memories of him as our neighbor and friend many years ago. My siblings and I all babysat for Marcia and Joey, and your dad and mom were so kind to all of us. Professionally, his concern and caring for the students in his schools was always obvious. Your dad was a good man, who we were all lucky to know at some point in our lives. My sympathy to all.
Nancy Kelly
April 30, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family - Mr.D (and Bones Bracani) reached out to me while I was studying for my undergrad degree in elementary education and got me into the schools via substitute teaching. Joe taught me the value of a warm "hello" and how it sets the tone in all situations. It was a great lesson, one I practice in all I do. May he rest in peace.
Rosie Yurewicz
April 30, 2014
Marcia & All ...... my sincerest condolences on your temporary loss .... he lives on and is with you ... continue to celebrate his life ....
Steve and Judith Spaulding
April 30, 2014
Joe,
So sorry about the loss of your father, what a wonderful legacy he has left for all of you!
Steve and Judith Spaulding
April 30, 2014
Joe was my first principal when I began my teaching career in 1977. There was no one better than him. I remember the big smile he had for everyone he met. He truly was Mr. Leominster. He will be missed.
Lee (Pothier)Bourgault
April 30, 2014
Sorry to hear about your beloved dad, we were neighbors across from each other over 30 years at Dale Ave and so much has happened but we have great memories, your mom and dad were great parents and that is what we leave behind, carry on. May his memory be eternal. God Bless you all.
Vickie Lanides
Terry Arroyo
April 30, 2014
I remember back in 1975 going to Southeast school and waiting in the gymnasium to find out who our kindergarten teacher would be. Scared, not knowing what to expect , Mr. Decarolis
noticed and asked me what my name was and found out Mrs. Smith was my teacher. He brought me to her room personally. I've read a lot of people leave their condolences and say he was like a big teddy bear, that's the truth he was.
He also remembered all of our names. Big heart and a great smile. My condolences to his children and grandchildren .
Remember the good times.
Thanks Mr. D
Terry (DeBettencourt)Arroyo
Class if 1987.
Chris Allardice
April 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the family at this time. Mr. DeCarolis was a great man and he will be sorely missed.
Dick Bruno
April 30, 2014
Obituary was beautiful. His retirement party I'll never forget because all the love of so many people demonstrating how important Joe was to the community. As cousins we remained close throughout all these years with annual golf outings. We were all proud of that. Love, Brato Slobo!
Renee
April 30, 2014
I attended Southeast School in the 80's and I remember Mr. DeCarolis very well. He was always smiling, and he knew all of "his kids" well. What I remember most about him is that despite his larger than life appearance to those of us who were so little at the time, he really was just a big teddy bear. I'm thankful that he was part of my early educational experience.
My sympathies to Mr. DeCarolis' family during this time. Find comfort in knowing that he left an impact on so many students.
Faith Dion
April 30, 2014
To the entire DeCarolis family -- I'm so sorry for your loss -- my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time....
Marjorie
April 30, 2014
I'm so sorry to learn about Mr DeCarolis' passing. He was my Principal at Southeast school back when the school first opened it's doors. I remember vividly his warm smile & cheery "good morning" as we walked into school each day. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Blessings to his family.
Roxanne Letarte
April 30, 2014
To All of the DeCarolis Family,
Your father's contagious smile, his energy, and warm heart will forever be remembered by all of the students he served. You were very blessed to have such a wonderful Dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you
April 30, 2014
As a student of South East School, I have many fond memories of Mr. Decarolis. His warm smile greeating you at the door every morning and the way he cared so much for his students Heaven has gained a very special angel
David Hay
April 30, 2014
The greatest lesson we learned from your father was to be kind to others. I hope that all of your fond memories can comfort you in your time of grief. I know he is at the door greeting everyone. May he rest in peace.
April 30, 2014
Deke was simply the "Best". He will be missed by so many. We need more people in this world like him.
Joey
Joanne Walsh
April 30, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful man is was -- always lifing others up. I remember him fondly from when I was an aspiring teacher. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina DeCarolis
April 30, 2014
Joe, Margot and your entire family. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. Not being a Leominster native, I got to know him as a member at Monoosnock CC and he was always a gentleman and had the best smile. I know your memories will keep him in your heart and head for always. May he rest in peace.
~ Tina DeCarolis
jane steinberg
April 30, 2014
All of us from Ayer who knew you,worked with you and loved you will miss you and yes your cigar
I can see you up in heaven playing 9 already
Fondly
Jane S Steinberg
Ayer High Former AD
Delgado Family
April 30, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the DeCarolis family for your loss. I was not amongst the lucky ones to have had him as a teacher or Principal but have been told so many great & loving stories. Cherish the memories & know you have an angel in heaven. Praying for your strength during these difficult times. ??
sarah Dorfman
April 30, 2014
I remember Joe fondly from his Principalship at Ayer Middle School. He was such a kind and caring human being and was great to work with. One of my fondest memories of him is the wonderful soups he would bring in on Fridays for all of us. Just a symbol of his generous spirit.
Don Franciosi
April 30, 2014
My honor to have worked with Joe at Northwest School. Truly a great person.
Berta Buratti-Aikey
April 30, 2014
Joe, Lisa, Tommy & Kayla,
I am so very sorry for the loss of a great man! You were all blessed to have him as part of your family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
April 30, 2014
My honor to have worked along side Joe at Northwest.Truly a great Educator.
Graham Paul
April 30, 2014
The world is a better place for having had Mr. DeCarolis in it. I think of him often.
Skip & Kathy Bourque
April 30, 2014
Kindly accept the heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy of our family to you and your family for your loss.
April 30, 2014
RIP
Norma and Vincent Palermo
April 30, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss he was a great guy. God bless.He is your angel now.
Sharon Melendy
April 30, 2014
I had the honor of working with Joe in the Ayer Middle School. He brightened up every day with his presence. It just doesn't get any better than Joe!! Rest in Peace!!
Joan Freedman
April 30, 2014
The world is a better place because he was in it. My deepest sympathy to his family.
John Celli
April 30, 2014
Joe,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. He will be missed. A true family man. I will keep him in my prayers.
Joanne Damico
April 30, 2014
Joey and Lisa, Timmy, Kayla and Tommy - Margot and Jimmy, Nick, Mike, Jamie and Jimmy -Marcia and Chris and Dave - I wish to extend my deepest condolences at the passing of a very dear man. Those high school football games will never be the same since i can't hang out with such a wonderful man - who will i share my popcorn with now? An extraordinary family with such wonderful values - obviously attributable to wonderully caring parents. All of you children and grandchildren are very blessed. Coach Vaillette extends his deepest condolences to you all - he loved Deke Sr......Godspeed Deke - make sure you save a place in heaven for me. Hugs to you all.
Kim
April 30, 2014
My heart goes out to the DeCarolis family. Your dad made life long memories for every child that was under his watch! His smile was something I knew I was guaranteed every time I saw him! Heaven received a great guy!
Michelle Caissie
April 30, 2014
So sad !!! He was a great principle.. My deepest sympathy to his family!!!!!
tim tietgens
April 29, 2014
You were an awesome principle and I send my deepest condolences.
M. Roman
April 29, 2014
Rest in peace! Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristine VanWesten (Rivard)
April 29, 2014
Both my mother and I had him in school, and we have fond memories of the nicest man. He made you feel cared about. Greatest sympathy to his family.
Darlene Rosado
April 29, 2014
Mr. DeCarolis was the nicest princaples that I've ever met!
My deepest sympathy for his family and friends.
Lesley
April 29, 2014
Mr DeCarolis, you had the kindest heart and the warmest smile.. and a face I could never ever forget ...
Wendy DiPasquale
April 29, 2014
So sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Denis Dargis
April 29, 2014
I was very fortunate to have worked for Joe at several Leominster schools. His positive attitude, his encouragement and leadership was experienced by many. It was a pleasure to have known Deke. He made us all better teachers and no one loved " the kids " more than he.
April 29, 2014
To the Decarolis family
We are very sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers
Claire ,Peter,Michael,Susan and family
Laura H
April 29, 2014
So sorry for your loss but thank you so much for sharing Mr. D with us! He was an amazing man and touched so many lives.
Evette Martinez Hernandez
April 29, 2014
RIP Mr. DeCarolis you will be missed for all the love you have given the children of Leominster. I was one of those children. It was an honor to know you.My condolences to all your loved ones.
Patty
April 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the DeCarolis Family. He always greeted his students at the front doors of Southeast with a smile on his face. He will live on in the many memories he helped to create!!
K Ricker
April 29, 2014
Leominster lost a pillar in our community
Truly one of the most gracious and caring educators I've had.
You will be truly missed Mr.Decarolis
Rest in Peace
Jackie Eberlin
April 29, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of all of you.
Patty
April 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the DeCarolis family. He always greeted his students at the front doors of Southeast with a smile on his face and a kind word. He will live on in the many memories he helped create and will be sorely missed.
Stacey
April 29, 2014
I had the distinct honor of being one of Mr. Decarolis' "kids" at Southeast School. I always considered him the "nice one". He took the time out of his schedule to care about us all, and make us feel special. He always had a smile on his face and was a very kind person. Heaven has a new angel.
Pam
April 29, 2014
Rest in Peace Mr DeCarolis. Always remember your smile and kind heart as Principal of Southeast School. Thank you!
Mark Masciangioli
April 29, 2014
Rest in peace Joe, prayers to all
Showing 1 - 67 of 67 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph DeCarolis's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph DeCarolis
People and places connected with Joseph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph DeCarolis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
