Joseph John Carroll Sr.

Born on October 15, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Thomas and Anna Carroll (nee McGlynn), Joe dedicated his life to public service. He spent his teenage years guarding the beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey, and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he returned home to Philadelphia and continued his commitment to helping others as a police officer and detective with the Philadelphia Police Department. Following two decades in that role, Joe began his “second career” as a securities investigator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - all while working part-time at Veterans Stadium for nearly every Phillies and Eagles home game - before retiring (somewhat begrudgingly) in 2014. After juggling multiple jobs for more than 50 years, Joe was finally able to embrace a well-earned new chapter, splitting his time between two of his favorite places - Cape May, New Jersey, and Marco Island, Florida - together with his beloved wife, Jo-Ann.

Joe was a lover of life’s simple pleasures and could be found most mornings swimming at the local YMCA followed by afternoons reading on the beautiful Residents’ Beach on Marco Island, usually under the same “chickee.” He enjoyed seafood dinners paired with his favorite wine: Sauvignon Blanc; rooting for his hometown sports teams, the Phillies and the Eagles; shopping at the Lobster House and Publix on an almost daily basis; and attending Mass with Jo-Ann at St. Agnes in Cape May Point or San Marco Catholic in Marco Island. And whenever the moment allowed, Joe could be found listening to his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra. But most of all, he loved his family and was happiest when they were all together, especially when they brought their pets with them.

Joe will be remembered for his laughter, kindness, endless (and often repeated) stories, and unconditional love for his family, who will miss him forever. In addition to his parents, family, and friends who have departed this life, Joe is now reunited with his loyal Labrador Retrievers – Captain, BLT, and Finn – and his charismatic cats – Sweetpea and Kristi – whose steadfast companionship brought him endless joy, and who had been waiting patiently and faithfully for him, just as they always did.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Jo-Ann, and the dog they shared (Chita); his three adoring children and their spouses and pups, Joe Jr. (Brady Craig, Goose), Philip (Samuel Benedict, Beau) and Valerie (Andrew Ferring); his brothers Tom (Kathy Carroll) and Michael (Ronnie Carroll); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Joe's life will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, January 23, 2026, at San Marco Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Humane World for Animals: https://give.humaneworld.org/josephcarroll