George W. Carroll

1938 - 2019

George W. Carroll, of Waltham, formerly of Marblehead and Sarasota, Florida died Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 80. Born on May 22, 1938 in Waltham he was a son of the late George W. II and Loretta (Leger) Carroll. He graduated from St. John's High School in North Cambridge and was schooled musically at Berkeley College, Saltman Conservatory and later earned his Bachelor's degree from Salem State University with a degree in journalism/communicat- ions with a minor in music. Music was in his DNA as his dad was a composer of music as well as a talented piano and reed player. His grandmother was a classically trained opera singer from England. He honorably served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. As owner of George Carroll Associates he worked as a process sales engineer for many years before retirement. Widowed by his first wife, Marie (Messina) Carroll he later met and married Mary L. Powers on September 18, 1994 in Marblehead. They loved their time living in Marblehead before moving to Siesta Key, Florida in 1995 to enjoy a retirement. While in Marblehead the jazz-musician composed an anthem titled 'Marblehead' which was very much loved but stirred controversy amongst town officials who preferred their march of 'Marblehead Forever' be the only tune tied to Marblehead. Where words failmusic speaks and he continued to play. His tune was performed to a full house at Abbott Hall and now remains in the Marblehead Archives. George and Mary's move to Florida enabled him to trade in retirement to continue a successful career as jazz musician and composer. He really enjoyed producing, playing and entertaining others with his music. He willingly professed his talent was a blessing from God and with over 700 tunes and twenty-two CD's published he is well-known in the music arenas. While in Boston he was a member of the 'Boston Cream Big Band' and in Florida he formed and led the 'George Carroll Big Band' and the 'Sarasota Sunsets Jazz Trio'. In addition to his wife, Mary he leaves his children, Jennifer A. Higgins of Walpole, Lisa M. Carroll of Hingham and Gregory G. Carroll of Brockton; Mary's children, Robert J. Powers (Helen) of Salem, Richard P. Powers (Teresa) of Portland, OR, David J. Powers (Mindy) of Boca Raton, FL, Gerald M. Powers (Maryellen) of Plum Island, Catherine A. Knowlton (Dan) of Essex; brother of June Andrus of Senora, CA; also survived by 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law of Martha A. Gallagher (Gerald) of Waltham, Patricia M. Maloon of Natick and Donald F. Meade of Redondo Beach, CA; nieces & nephews. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 16th in Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers memorials in George's name may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. To offer condolences online, please visit www.JoyceFuneralHome.com.