Thomas J. Carroll

GARDNER - Honorable Thomas J. Carroll, 85, of Gardner died Sunday, September 30, 2012 in the Baldwinville Nursing Home. He was born February 6, 1927 in Gardner the son of W. Edward Carroll and Violette (Reagan) Carroll. He grew up in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School in 1944. He attended Temple University and went on to graduate from Boston College Law School. A veteran of World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. He was the Clerk of Courts at the Gardner District Court for 16 years. He was appointed as a judge in 1974 and was presiding justice at Gardner District court until his retirement in 1990. He was still active as an attorney and notary public. He also served as a campaign manager in Massachusetts for John F. Kennedy during his run for presidency. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, a member of the Gardner Lodge of Elks, the Jackson Eagles and the Chair City Club. He served on the Gardner Liquor Commission, the Ethics Committee at Heywood Hospital as well as the Board of Directors at Heywood Hospital. He enjoyed Golfing and spending time with his family and friends. He was also very proud of his years playing football and swimming for Gardner High School and Temple University. He leaves two daughters, Jane E. Strazdas and her husband, Mark of Westminster, Laura C. LaBrack and her husband David of Winchendon; five grandchildren, Tom Strazdas, Derek Strazdas, Kristen Strazdas, Nicole LaBrack, Alyssa LaBrack and one great grandson, Landen Strazdas; nieces Joyce Fletcher, Lynn Carroll, Nancy Williams; nephews Jim Carroll, Billy Carroll; sisters-in-law Barbara Niemi and Amelia Colson. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Rosemary (Mooney) Carroll who died in 2006, his brother, W. Edward Carroll who died in 1973 and nephew D. Stephen Colson who died in 2009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held of Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church 166 Cross St., Gardner. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, Ma 01440 or to the Baldwinville Nursing Home, 51 Hospital Road, Baldwinville, Ma. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });