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Kenneth J. Carroll, Jr., Sergeant Massachusetts State Police, age 53, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 20, 2022, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a courageous battle with cancer.
Kenny was born on October 16, 1968, in Winchester, MA; he was the cherished only son of Grace and the late Kenneth Carroll. Kenny was raised and educated in Wilmington and a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1986.
Kenny went on to enlist in the United States Army in 1988 where he proudly served for several years. Kenny attended Aviator Qualification courses, Air Assault courses, Rotary Wing Aviator course and Warrant Officer Candidate School. Kenny was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and his duties took him overseas where he piloted Cobra Helicopters; he served at several different duty stations throughout Europe. Kenny received many commendations for his bravery and honorable service including the Army Commendation medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Expert Badge Rifle, M-16, and Marksman Badge including Grenade. Following his honorable discharge from active duty in March of 1996, Kenny went on to continue serving the country with the U. S. Army Reserves.
Kenny returned home to his family in Wilmington where he married "his sweetheart" Kathleen (Stewart) Carroll in 1998; the couple bought their dream home and began their family. Kenny was a devoted and loving father to Jimmy, Pat and Maggie; his family was "his world". Kenny attended countless school and sporting events to support and encourage his sons. He loved to spoil his little girl and to teach his boys just about everything from sports, fishing, hunting, camping, and how to be strong, hardworking, and respectable young men. Kenny and Kathleen, along with their children looked forward to family vacations, holidays, and just "hanging out" with family and friends.
Kenny was hired with Massachusetts State Police in 2000 and was a graduate of the 75th Recruit Training Academy in December of that year. Kenny was assigned to Troop F which protects Logan Airport and other Port Properties. Kenny was promoted to Sergeant in 2020; he also was active with the EOD Bomb Squad for many years as well as the Motorcycle Unit. Kenny served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its citizens honorably for many years; he will be greatly missed by his fellow officers throughout the State.
In his spare time, Kenny, looked forward to "hanging out" with family and friends; his door was always open and he loved to entertain at his home which was always filled with Irish music, plenty of food and lots of fun. Kenny looked forward to his excursions on the Saco River with his cousins, as well as his many camping, hunting and fishing trips; everyone always had a great time. At home, Kenny, loved to "putter" around the house and yard; he had a green thumb for gardening and grew his famous pumpkins. Kenny's all time favorite thing to do was to cook breakfast for his family, relax and enjoy their company.
Kenny was a man of great strength and faith; he battled cancer head on and never gave up. A true testament to his love for family and an example of how we should live our lives. Kenny's unconditional love for family, friends, country and fellow law enforcement officers was evident in everything he did; he always "had your back", and he touched so many lives throughout the years. Kenny will forever be missed but he will live in the hearts of those who loved him.
Kenny was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (Stewart) Carroll, devoted father of Kim Fromm-Nguyen of Germany, James Carroll, Patrick Carroll & girlfriend Steph Burns and Margaret "Maggie" Carroll all of Wilmington, cherished son of Grace R. (Duggan) Carroll and the late Kenneth J. Carroll of Wilmington, dear brother of Cheryl Carroll of Nashua and the late Jo Ann McNeil. Son-in-law of George and the late Margaret Stewart of Wilmington, brother-in-law of Lance McNeil, Tracey & the late Joe Costello, Elizabeth & David Sullivan all of Wilmington, Michelle & David Haley of Tewksbury and Joanne Lucas & her fiancé Joe Steen of Woburn. Kenny is further survived by many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, as well as his extended family of fellow law enforcement officers and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy's Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, at 12:00 noon. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 24th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kenneth's memory to Cops for Kids With Cancer, Inc., P. O. Box 850956, Braintree, MA 02185 or copsforkidswithcancer.org.