Obituary of Thomas J. Carroll

Thomas James Carroll, 85, of Manchester, CT passed away on March 31, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, and was the son of James and Katherine Carroll.

He graduated from Most Holy Rosary School, Le Moyne College, and New York Law School. Tom initially worked as an attorney in private practice before dedicating himself to a career in public service as a Federal Mediator for the U.S. Government’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Throughout his lengthy career, Tom successfully resolved hundreds of labor disputes and union strikes, including the 100-day Electric Boat strike in 1988. Tom had an uncanny ability to bring opposing sides to the negotiating table and to guide them to resolution through his wisdom, integrity and savvy.

Tom was a boxing enthusiast. In addition to boxing in his youth, he was a historian of the sport, and loved watching matches with his family and friends, who enjoyed his insightful commentary and depth of knowledge. Tom was also an avid golfer. He was a long-time member of Manchester Country Club, where he won several tournaments, including multiple Governor’s Cups. Tom carried a single-digit handicap, but thrived under pressure, and occasionally won gross events, including The Provolone tournament with a career low score of 69. He was most proud of the fact that he carded a hole-in-one on each of the four par three holes at Manchester Country Club, adding a fifth at the former Neipsic Golf Course.

Tom was proud of his Irish heritage, and was a member of the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury, CT. Tom also was a member of the Washington Social Club in Manchester, CT, and loved to watch the Manchester Road Race from the club with his many good friends. Tom had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, and with people from all walks of life.

Tom enjoyed watching UConn Huskies basketball, Red Sox and Yankees games, attending his sons’ baseball and football games, watching Clint Eastwood Westerns, and spending time with his family, making them laugh through his unrivaled wit and humor.

Tom is survived by: his son Thomas A. Carroll and wife Sara K. Carroll of Milford, CT; his son James J. Carroll and wife Valerie J. Carroll of Hebron, CT; his grandchildren James P. Carroll, Maureen K. Carroll, and Fiona C. Carroll; his sister Katherine Carroll Porray; and many beloved cousins and other family members. Tom was a devoted husband of 52 years to the love of his life, Maureen M. Carroll before her passing in 2018. He was also predeceased by his son Michael P. Carroll, grandson Padraig R. Carroll, and his brother James W. Carroll.

Calling Hours will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester, CT on Thursday, April 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church 896 Main St., Manchester, CT on Friday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

CLICK TO VIEW LIVESTREAM FUNERAL SERVICE