Henry V. Carroll

Henry Vincent Carroll, beloved husband, brother, godfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, in Cortland, NY, at the age of 89.

He was born on May 14, 1935, in Syracuse, NY, to Henry P. Carroll and Sarah Long Carroll.

Hank graduated from LaFayette Central School in LaFayette, NY, before serving his country with distinction in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. After his military service, Hank joined and served in the National Guard for several years. On August 20, 1960, he married his lifelong partner, Florence “Babe” Simon, with whom he shared a loving and devoted marriage for over six decades.

Hank’s career spanned various industries, from working at Kraft Foods and Carrier Corporation to running his own excavation business. He worked as a subcontractor for Lane Construction on I81 south of Cortland, notably contributing to the construction of the original Hoxie’s Gorge Bridge. Later in life, Hank served as the Mountain Manager at Song Mountain for over 40 years before retiring. Following his retirement, Hank continued to stay active by working for the Town of Preble Recreation Department as a groundskeeper at Preble Park.

A passionate and devoted member of the Preble community, Hank dedicated much of his life to the Preble Fire Department. He was an active member of the department for 60 years, serving as Fire Chief for ten years, First Assistant Chief for five years, and as a member of the Preble Fire Department Hose Race Team.

Hank was one of the first members of the department to become a paramedic and was instrumental in starting the Preble Rescue Squad. Additionally, Hank was one of the first members of the department to become a certified SCUBA diver and helped establish the Preble Water Rescue Team.

Hank’s legacy also includes playing a significant role in the development of Preble Park, where he helped build the Preble Park pavilion. Hank’s contributions to the Preble community did not go unnoticed, and in 1982, he was honored as the Preble Citizen of the Year.

In addition to his fire service and community involvement, Hank was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, passions he shared with friends and family. Hank was also a devoted sports enthusiast, playing on the Preble Hotel Softball team as a catcher for many years. He was also an avid golfer and played in several local leagues, where he enjoyed both the competition and camaraderie with his fellow golfers.

Hank was predeceased by his parents; sister, Dorothy (Marty) Hockey; brothers, Paul (Carolyn) and James (Jane); nephew, Kevin Carroll; brothers-in-law, Bernard (Ann) Root, Marty (Dorothy) Hockey, William Simon, Joseph P Simon, Joseph (Jane) Maher, and Lloyd (Betty Ann) Pitman; and sister-in-law, Jane (Joseph) Maher.

He is survived by his wife, Florence, his sister, Ann Root, and his sisters-in-law, Jane Carroll and Betty Ann Pitman.

Hank also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, including Paul Jr (Sandra) Carroll, Michael (Kim) Carroll, Dan Carroll, John (Heather) Carroll, Robert (Becky) Carroll, Sandy Carroll, Suzanne (Joseph) Christiana, Kathy Root, Carol Root, Debbie (Mark) Ferlito, Diane (Mark) Butterfield, Dan Damrath, Don Damrath, Greg (Annettte) Root, John (Carol) Simon, Joseph Pitman, Thomas (Wendy) Pitman, James Pitman, David (Bonnie) Pitman, Robert (Michelle) Pitman, Paul (Bonnie) Maher, Carol Maher, Katherine (John) Touchette, and Theresa Pitman.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Hank’s life on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at The Church of the Nativity at St. Leo's, 10 Onondaga St, Tully, NY. Calling hours will be from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with services immediately following at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hank’s honor can be made to the Preble Fire Department, 1911 Preble Road, Preble, NY 13141, or to St. Leo's Church, 10 Onondaga Street, Tully, NY 13159.

Hank’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as a dedicated servant, community leader, and loving family man.

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