John’spassing metwithmuchsadnessinCooley
THE death has occurred in Kings Langley, London, of John Carroll, formerly of Willville, Carlingford.
The news of John’s passing was met with much sadness on the Cooley Peninsula.
The third oldest son of the late Tommy and Kathleen Carroll, he was predeceased by his brothers, Tom and Pat.
John was born in 1939 in Willville. He attended Boher National School. At the age of fourteen, he bid goodbye to school days and went to work on local farms.
It was the 1950’s, and there was much demand for young strong men in rural Ireland. John worked long hours, completing back-breaking chores, with very small wages for his hard work.
At the tender age of eighteen, the bright lights of London beckoned. He quickly found employment as a bus conductor. Many of his neighbours from home fondly remember John working on the buses.
His pleasant demeanour and immaculate dress, was a joy to meet for those who found themselves far from home in the busy city.
Soon the call of the chisel and hammer rang for John. Carpentry had long been a trade in the Carroll family. John sought night classes in carpentry in London.
Armed with his newly acquired skill, he worked with his late brother Pat on building sites all over the thriving city. It was a close partnership which transcended decades for the two brothers.
While socialising in the Blarney Club Dance Hall on Tottenham Court Road, John met the love of his life, Margaret McConalogue from Donegal.
In 1969, beneath the rafters of the beautiful whitewashed church in Clonmany, the young couple exchanged wedding vows. It was a union blessed from the Heavens.
For fifty long years, they cared deeply for each other. The birth of their children Stephen and Nickola brought much joy.
The arrival into their lives of their two treasured nieces, Denise and Karen, showered the family with an abundance of blessings.
John worked long hours to provide for his growing family. The draw of the homeland was ever-strong. Frequent telephone calls were made across the Irish sea, keeping in touch with loved ones at home. Many happy summer holidays were spent in Cooley and Donegal.
Sadly, the sands of time brought change to the final years of John’s life. Failing health meant he had to move from the family home in Greenford to the home of his daughter, Nickola and son-in-law, Andy in Kings Langley.
The entire family rallied around to care for John. The presence of his lovely young grandchildren in his life brought to his world a richness all of its own. They delivered daily helpings of spontaneous love and affection as only children can do.
As the month of January came to a close, John grew tired. His loving family gathered as they felt his energy ebb away.
When the Lord finally called John, he went forward without fear. The faithful servant had led the good life, he had given his all. He truly deserved the reward waiting for him.
Amid their tears, his family appreciate the blessings received from knowing and loving John. Forever will they cherish the man who John was, his hard work, his dry wit, his good humour, his immaculate dress, his kindness and his special aura of gentleness.
John’s funeral Mass was held in St Saviour’s Church, Abbots Langley on Tuesday, 26 February.
Fr Richard, who celebrated the Mass, spoke movingly about John. Complimenting his strong faith, he expressed his happiness that John had now found eternal peace.
Under the care of funeral directors MK Ginder & Sons, John’s mortal remains were respectfully brought through the busy streets of London.
John took his final rest at West Herts Crematorium where daffodils swayed in the breeze underneath the warm Spring sunshine.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Stephen and Nickola; his endeared nieces, Karen and Denise; son-in-law, Andy, and grandchildren in London.
John is also sorely missed by his brother, Ambrose ( Willville), his niece Kathleen McGorrian (Haggardstown), and his wider circle of family and friends.
The esteem in which John was held was reflected in the number of people who came to the church to pay their respects, and the large number who travelled from Ireland to bid a final farewell.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.