Dennis Carroll

Palm Springs, CA - Dennis Raymond Carroll was born on July 4th, 1942 in Rahway, New Jersey, to Frank Joseph Carroll and Hildur Margaret Carroll. He was called back to God on April 9th, 2024 in Cathedral City, CA, surrounded by the loving support of his wife, Carol Carroll, son, Matt Carroll, sister Alice Thompson, niece Peggie Jimcosky, and nephew, Scott Thompson. He is also survived and will be missed by his nieces Elizabeth Condren and Jennifer Barga, nephews Sean Condren, Hilary Condren, and Colin Condren, all their wonderful families, and his many great friends, former students, and colleagues.

Dennis graduated from Seton Hall University, with a degree in Classics, in 1964, and began teaching high school English and Latin in Governor Livingston, New Jersey.

On August 3rd of 1969, Dennis married Carol Condren. It was apparently such a case of true love that she gladly changed her name to Carol Carroll. Dennis and Carol had an amazingly wonderful, loving marriage, filled with joy, laughter, kindness, and goodness. They were soulmates in the purest sense and their marriage lasted fifty-four years. On November 10th of 1973, they welcomed their only son, Matt, and the three of them had fifty glorious years as a loving, very happy family.

A naturally charismatic and gifted teacher, Dennis devoted his career to education. He and Carol moved to Woodstock, Vermont in 1977 and both taught at Woodstock Union High School. They loved their years in Woodstock, where Dennis eventually transitioned into administration and the position of Vice Principal. In 1986 Dennis moved to Long Island, NY, with Carol and Matt, and became the Middle School Director for Woodmere Academy, in Woodmere, NY. He went on to serve as the Upper School Director, for the newly named Lawrence Woodmere Academy and in 1994 he became the Headmaster. He served as Lawrence Woodmere Academy's Headmaster for nine years and both loved and took great pride in that responsibility. He also formed close friendships with coworkers, parents, and students that endured the rest of his life. After retiring to Palm Springs with Carol in 2004, he continued to teach on a part time basis at College of the Desert.

Inspired by an insatiable appetite for life, Dennis devoted himself to his loved ones and was always there when one of them needed support. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to make people laugh, and was known for his own hearty, genuine, and unrestrained laughter. Dennis and Carol both gave generously of their time and energy to their church communities in Vermont, New York, and most recently at Our Lady of Solitude in Palm Springs.

Special thanks to Our Lady of Solitude, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 12:00pm. And a world of gratitude to the gifted and generous care providers at The Palms at La Quinta.

Please honor Dennis's memory with kind acts toward others, the indulgence of laughter with family and friends, and perhaps a remembrance to a favorite charity of your own.

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

Published by Valley News on Apr. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Carroll

Sponsored by Forest Lawn - Cathedral City.

10 Entries

Joan Connor

July 10, 2025

Dennis changed my life. He was my mentor teacher at Woodstock Union High School. A kind and brilliant teacher. I went on to teach at NMH and Friends Schools in Philadelphia, and eventually I became a university professor, all thanks to Dennis, his guidance, and his care. I think of him often and always with gratitude.

Michelle Ferdinand Liu, MD, MPH ( LWA class of 1992)

April 16, 2025

For some reason I have been thinking about Mr. Carroll all week. I did not know if he was ill before he passed away last year, but now that I am in my 50's, as a former student, I remember his contagious smile, his empathy for others, and specifically one time when I saw him picking up trash off the ground in the cafeteria when no one was looking. He caught me staring at him, and all I could recall was an impression like "leaders pick up the trash," and that stuck with me through my entire Navy and medical career until this day. He was a true servant leader. My mother so admired him as a parent and teacher that he became a friend and even attended her 60th birthday celebration. Now, as an adult, I wish I could have shared some of these thoughts with him before his passing. A true leader, a true friend. Thanks, Mr. Carroll!

Joseph Weber

May 7, 2024

High school buddies, tennis, bowling, vacationing (esp. Puerto Rico in 1965) buddies. Then lost contact for over 40 years. While visiting relatives on long Island, read article of Dennis' retirement from Woodmere. Reconnected and the time gap evaporated. E-mails, calls every 2 weeks like clockwork. Dennis, a buddy forever! Rest in peace.

Kim Tarleton Stowell

April 25, 2024

I am so sad to learn of Mr. Carroll's passing and my deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Carroll and Matthew. I had the extreme fortune to have had both of them as English teachers and drama coaches at WUHS in 1978-1981 and they both had a tremendous impact on me. Mr. Carroll's Shakespeare class was one of my favorites. Mrs. Carroll encouraged me to overcome my shyness and join the drama department; first as Student director helping behind the scenes and later acting in lead roles. There would not have been a drama department in those years without them! They gave so much of their time and energy for our productions of "Harvey", "Arsenic & Old Lace", "The Matchmaker" and "The Crucible". They coordinated a trip to NYC one spring so several of us lucky students could see shows on Broadway. They were both so kind and encouraging and I was also able to babysit Matthew as a young boy and very fond of him as well! While we lost touch after I left college I do think of them whenever I see a play and they will always hold a special place in my heart. Kim (Tarleton) Stowell, Knoxville TN

Anna Hill Lewis (class of 79)

April 24, 2024

I was lucky to have the privilege of both Dennis and Carol as teachers at Woodstock Union high school. They were both wonderful people and I remember them fondly . My heart is with Carol and their son, Matt.

Julie Geno Melendy

April 24, 2024

Mr Carroll was my favorite teacher at Woodstock. I always tried to make sure every year that I took his English classes. Class of 1980

Allison Wade

April 23, 2024

Mr. Carroll made a huge impression on me in the many English classes I had with him, 1976 through 1979. He was also my homeroom teacher one year. His instruction has remained with me these past 40+ years. I mourn his passing with much sadness.
-Allison Jillson Wade

Suzy Hallock-Bannigan

April 23, 2024

Dennis and Carol Carroll were legend at Woodstock Union High School in those early days when a bunch of us idealistic educators were determined to create superb learning o[ppotunities for the students in our community. They lived up on Border Lane as I remember and their house was z such a welcome place for some of us on the faculty to gather and enjoy the special time and place that was Woodstock in the 70´s. Both truly excellent teachers, together they were mighty indeed: smart, funny, wise, kind. Sometimes Dennis would invite me in to talk with a class about character motivation in a book the class was reading, and I remember once he asked me, "Do you think it is harder to grow up in America as a boy or a girl?". I said I thought both could be difficult and he led the class in a skillful and thoughtful examination of the relevant issues. I think I remember his classroom, was number 6 on the main corridor and when he left (and I stayed) I could never pass that room without remembering what a fine teacher and person he was. Though teaching English was perhaps his first priority, he also taught Latin with equal skill. Students, always knowing a good thing, would request Mr. Carroll time and time again. I think sometimes he was already an angel (which he would deny). I lost touch with the Carrolls over the decades, but never will I forget their extraordinary grace.

Dean Corkum

April 22, 2024

Mr. and Mrs. Carroll were 2 of my favorite teachers in high school. i feel like i actually learned how to write from them. i spent a summer being tutored by them and it became invaluable in my life. my favorite part about Mr. Carroll was his sense of humor. He appreciated a good laugh and showed a human side to his teaching. i have tried to don the same in my own teaching as a PE teacher for the last 36 years. Cheers Mr. Carroll (and Mrs.) you have had a great impact on me as a high school student!

Eric Paige

April 22, 2024

Dennis and Carol Carroll were two of my favorite teachers at Woodstock Union High School. My heartfelt condolences to Carol and Matt.

Eric Paige

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