Carroll, Joseph R. (89) our dear Jay, born March 23, 1935, in South St. Paul, MN, died on May 30, 2024, at the Veteran's Home in Minneapolis, MN. Jay was born in South St. Paul at St. Augustine Parish, a graduate of South St. Paul Public Schools, St. Thomas Military Academy, College of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota College of Law. In 1961, during a US Army assignment in Boston, Jay met his wife Alberta at a New Year's Eve party. Jay had a distinguished career as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army Reserve, retiring at the rank of colonel after thirty years of service. He later joined Onan Corporation - International Sales, where he traveled worldwide, selling military products and making friends along the way. Jay and Alberta enjoyed European vacations, visiting museums, cathedrals and antique shops, collecting pig figurines and fine porcelain. A gregarious, charming man, Jay was known for his clever comebacks and witty one-liners. He was a devoted uncle and proud dog dad, beginning with the adoption of Max, a Norwich Terrier who competed as a Champion and sired several litters of subsequent Champions. Jay's passion for old movies influenced more than just his taste in entertainment; he even named his dogs after characters in classic Hollywood films: Lillian, Margo, and Blanche. Jay and Alberta, affectionally referred to as "Jamberta" by family, cherished their long visits with loved ones. Children and puppies tumbled over one another, creating delightful chaos. They were fond admirers of Frank Lloyd Wright, including their beautiful home in Lake of the Isles, built in 1917 by a student of the famous architect. Jay was a wonderful cook, loved mixing cocktails while hosting lively gatherings and intimate gourmet dinner parties. He enjoyed listening to The Brandenburg Concerto while sipping a glass of fine wine. An accomplished piano player at an early age, he also took up the violin in his 60's. Jay's intellectual curiosity led him to organize a historical literature book club while working at Barnes & Noble during retirement. His cheeky smirk and warm spirit will be remembered by all who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed. He is survived by his cousin, Kate Amend of Los Angeles, sister-in-law Eleanor Carroll of Chicago, and many adoring nieces and nephews. Predeceased family members include his parents, Dr. William and Neva Carroll, brothers William Jr., James David, and Thomas John, and his beloved wife, Alberta C. (Casciani) Carroll. A funeral memorial mass for both Alberta & Jay Carroll will be held at The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, MN, on June 26, 2024, with visitation at 10:00am followed by mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Lakewood Cemetery. Funeral mass will be live streamed at this link mary.online.church/. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in their memory to Animal Humane Society at animalhumanesociety.org.

Published on June 23, 2024