A thoughtful and kind family man with a quiet demeanor
WILMINGTON — David F. Carroll, 74, of Wilmington, Mass., and Winter Harbor, Maine, formerly of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2022, at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington, surrounded by family.
David was born on April 23, 1947, in Medford; he was the dear son of the late Elmer and Ruth Carroll. David was raised and educated in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School with the Class of 1965. Throughout his life, David stayed involved with the community of Wakefield. He was very active in the Westside Social Club, he enjoyed being part of the town’s Fourth of July festivities and annual parades.
Following graduation, in May of 1966 during the Vietnam War, David enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. Upon completion of Reserve training, David was called to active duty with the First U.S. Army at Ft. Eustis in Virginia. At the completion of his active duty, David was honorably discharged back to the reserves and completed his duty in December of 1971.
David was very bright and well read; he continued his education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and in post-graduate work in the banking industry. David’s education led him to a long and successful career. David spent his early career at Shawmut, and then with the People’s Heritage Bank in Maine, before taking a position as COO at Massbank. David worked until his early retirement at Massbank’s headquarters in Reading, where he helped to take Massbank public.
David married the “love of his life and best friend” Ruth Bennett on September 20, 1975. The couple made their home in Wilmington in 1983, they raised two wonderful children and shared nearly 40 years together before Ruth’s untimely passing in 2015.
David quickly became involved in his new community after settling in Wilmington. He coached youth sports, was a member of the town committees, and volunteered countless hours with the Wildcats Booster Club.
David’s family was always his priority and his devotion to them was evident in everything he did. David was a great source of support, encouragement, and guidance to his children; he was cheering them on while they played sports, was in the audience during school events, and encouraged them to follow their dreams as they became adults. David also treasured his role as “Papa.” He adored his grandchildren and looked forward to the time they spent together.
David and Ruth enjoyed spending time in Winter Harbor, Maine, and they bought land and a home there in 2002. This proved to be a great place to bring family and friends together. David became a summer resident of Winter Harbor where he spent most summers with Ruth and the family; they enjoyed exploring the coast, photography, playing golf, and having friends and family together.
David will be remembered as thoughtful, kind, caring and always willing to help others. David had a quiet demeanor, a big smile and a huge heart; he was a wonderful family man, a great neighbor and a true friend to many.
David was the beloved husband of the late Ruth A. (Bennett) Carroll, devoted father of Brian Carroll and his wife Heather of Norwell and Kimberly Flanagan and her husband Sean of Wilmington and loving “Papa” of Pace, Reagan, Bennett and Elijah. Cherished son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Cooper) Carroll, dear brother of Paul Carroll and wife Nanci of Florida, Kathy Baxter and husband Robert of Pepperell, Sheila Parr and husband David of Wakefield, Susan LeDuc and husband William of Rochester, NH, the late Joan, Thomas, and Christopher Carroll. Brother-in-law of Cheryl Carroll and David and Gloria Bennett. David is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, March 24 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 23 from 4 – 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to Special Olympics of Massachusetts, 36 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, which David supported throughout his life. www.nicholsfuneralhome.com. 
