Obit: Joseph Carroll Jr. ... former Post 7 commander

ROCHESTER - Joseph Phillip Carroll Jr., 68, of Rochester passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, N.H., after a long period of failing health.

Born Oct. 21, 1945 in Sanford, Maine, he was the son of the late Joseph Carroll, Sr. and Margaret (Remick) Carroll. He was raised and resided there for many years.

Joseph graduated from Sanford High School. He was proud to serve his country in the Vietnam War in the Army. In his younger days he loved to hunt and race stock cars. He enjoyed riding his Honda Goldwing Trike. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #7 in Rochester and Post Commander from 2000-2002, past District #3 Commander 2002-2003 and past Dept. Vice Commander 2003-2004. He is also a member of the VFW, VVA, DAV, AMVETS, Goldwing Riders, CVA, Elks Lodge #1393, Victoire Club and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Members of his family include his wife of 26 years, Denise (Lessard) Carroll, his children, son, Eric Carroll, wife Theresa of Lyman, Maine, daughters, Lea (Carroll) Sabean and husband Gaylen of Barnstead, N.H., Amy (Carroll) Therrien and husband Michael of Kennebunk, Maine, Gwen (Carroll) Bedell of Sanford, Maine, stepdaughter, Jacqueline Gingras of St. Jean Quebec, brother, Brian Carroll and fiancée, Cindy Mathieson of Alfred Maine; sisters, Darlene Burdette of Fla., Linda Carroll and Bill Riley of N.Y., Gloria Triano of Fla., June Turner of W. Georgia. He is also survived by his stepmother, Julia (Carroll) Beals of Newington, N.H.

Joseph also leaves behind his former wife and the mother of his children, Estelle (Cote) Gore, 12 grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great friends. Joseph was predeceased by his parents and an infant son.