Charles Chickie Carroll

Carroll, “Chickie” Charles W., 62, of Pawtucket, passed away at The Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence on February 22, 2021. Chickie was born in Pawtucket, a son to Therese Carroll and the late Edward “Iggy” Carroll. He was the loving husband of Laurie (Palagi) Carroll for 33 years. 

Chickie was a firefighter with the Pawtucket Fire Department for over thirty years, spending most of his career on Engine 2. It was a job that he felt deeply passionate about and a commitment that he held in the highest regard. He was there to put out fires and most importantly, save lives. There was no situation too dangerous, no fire too big. Chickie never hesitated to show the ropes to new members of the Department or boast about the men he worked alongside. Chickie represented Pawtucket Fire at numerous fire department funerals throughout the Tri-State area after the national tragedy of 9/11. If he wasn’t at the station, you could find him under the hood of a truck, hands covered in grease. He began his lengthy career as a mechanic at Gibby’s Service Station and ran his own shop up until he retired. He could fix everything from massive plow trucks to banged up Hyundai accents.

Chickie dedicated his life to service. He served the residents of Pawtucket during moments most would run away from. He was there to fix your car, regardless of how many hours he’d already been at the shop. He spent many sleepless nights working the overnight shift every single winter to keep the roads plowed. And those were just his jobs. He was also the neighbor that snowblowed your sidewalk before you woke up. He was the person you called for a 4am ride to the airport an hour away. He was the resident doctors appointment chauffeur for his father-in-law, James and cared for his sweet neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Rosen. 

There is not one person who knew Chickie, who did not know just how much he adored his wife Laurie, often referring to her as “my Laurie”. He endlessly sang her praises, all the way to the end. In 33 years of marriage, Chickie and Laurie travelled throughout the US and to numerous countries together. From Caribbean cruises to lounging on the beaches of Mexico, Aruba and Florida, all the way up north to their second home in New Hampshire. There are few things Chickie loved more than an open road, his Harley Davidson, and Laurie as his co-pilot. If it had a motor, Chickie could ride it. Motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs - just give him a full tank of gas and something on two wheels and he was in heaven. After a long day in New Hampshire, he relished in the quiet of his porch, the company of his wife Laurie, and the companionship of Angel, his treasured black lab. 

Chickie’s good natured and jovial spirit made him a magnet for children. If there was a kid in the room, you can guarantee he was on the floor with them fully submerged in their world. He transcended the textbook definition of an uncle. He was blessed with three nieces, four nephews, and one great niece and nephew, respectively. Each one thought the world of him and delighted in the time they had together.

He was an effortless and naturally charismatic man. He was rarely seen without a smile, an iced tea, and a genuine curiosity of how you were doing. He had more friends than the average person by a country mile and for good reason. He stayed in touch with them all, regardless of distance. Chickie always looked forward to a round of golf with his brother-in-law, Jack, riding his Harley with his friends and brother-in-law, Donald, and of course to his weekly trips to Perry’s, Dunkin Donuts in hand, to chat with the guys and play his numbers. Chickie died proudly with 23 years of continuous sobriety. He helped many find a new way of life by showing how beautiful life can be, one day at a time. He leaves behind a trail of inspiration and blueprint for a life of love and service.

His family, his friends, his brothers in service and his neighbors will miss the light he brought to their lives, but will be forever grateful for every minute they were able to spend in his company.

He is survived by his step-mother, Paulette Carroll of Florida and her brother, Michael; his aunts and uncles: Pauline Biron, Arlene Caspoli, and Louie & Betsy Dusseault, along with his cousins. Chickie will be sorely missed by his in-laws: father-in-law, James Palagi; sisters and brothers-in-law Lisa DeSimone, Linda & Jack Lynn, and Donald Kinder. 

He was a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews: Corey and Erica Makin, Jamie McIntyre, Amanda DeSimone and Sobin Kes, Andrew Kinder, and Christian Kinder, as well as his great niece and nephew, Norah and Reed Makin. 

Chickie was preceded in death by his aunts and uncles: Nick Caspoli, Isabel, Lucille & Bernard Dusseault, Mary & Raymond Gibbons, and John Carroll, as well as his brother-in-law, Ricky DeSimone.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Carroll on Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 AM in St. Teresa’s Church, 354 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. His calling hours will be Saturday morning from 8:30 AM in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks are required. For guest book signatures and online condolences please visit www.manningheffern.com.