Died March 30, 2005
College: Calhoun
Children: Thomas, 1966; Laura, 1967; Stephen, 1969; Edward, 1973
My Dad grew up an only child in New York City and certainly living that taught him the hard knocks of life. But he was raised to be honest and kind, gentle and caring; traits that lasted a lifetime. He excelled as a student, made lasting lifelong friendships, and was an absolutely outstanding athlete.
At Fordham Preparatory School he turned the High School Track and Field community on end by shattering numerous records. He set a National High School Record of 1:49.2 in the half mile becoming the first High School student to break the 1:50 barrier. Dad ran an outstanding 2:25.5 in the 1000 meters setting a National High School Record as well as an American Record — a mark that stood for over 46 years until it was broken in 2003.
At Yale, Dad had additional athletic accomplishments. He won three Heptagonal titles, was a three time IC4A Champion, and led the “Bulldogs” to four Championship races at the Penn Relays. While Dad competed on the track, he excelled in school and friendships.
Close friendships were very important to him. Guys like Ray McGovern, Jim Wade, Jim Stack, Ned Roach, and Andy Block, just to name a few, became lifelong friends and were family to all of us. Dad drew strength from these friendships and experiences and passed that on to his children. Dad was humble. He never bragged about his athletic greatness, even though he was great. But obviously, Dad knew greatness and he taught us kids to strive for that…and once greatness was achieved to be humble about being there.
But to me and my family, he is just “Dad.” He raised four children to be honest and kind, gentle and caring, value close friendships, and live life with a sense of humility. And that was his true and lasting legacy. As we grew up and spread our wings, he looked to continue that legacy with the fostering of two other children…troubled children, from troubled homes. With undying love and guidance, he embedded those young minds with the same core values he lived and taught us to live by. He has left his impression on a lot of people; friends and family, strangers, and folks in need. He really was an inspiration to us, and a lot of other people. So, I would ask everyone to remember him, remember who he was, remember what he did for us and so many…in that, he will live forever in our hearts.
—by Thomas J Carroll, III