John Edward Carroll Jr.

John Edward Carroll, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and decorated veteran, passed away on September 2, 2025 at the age of 93.

Born on September 13, 1931, in Kansas City, Kansas, to John and Catherine Carroll, John was the eldest of five children—Marie, Michael, Bernard, and Joseph followed him. He attended Maur Hill–Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding school, with the early intention of joining the priesthood. Though his path ultimately led elsewhere, his deep faith and sense of service remained constant throughout his life.

Answering the call to serve his country, John joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly dedicated 23 years. A skilled aviator, he flew both jets and helicopters, completing three overseas tours—one in Korea and two in Vietnam. His courage and dedication earned him numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross- twice. For John, flying was not only a duty but also a joy, and his years in the cockpit were among the proudest of his life.

In 1963, John married the love of his life, Marilyn Mahoney of Marion, Indiana. Together, they raised four children—John, Mary, Nancy, and Betsy. After years of military assignments across the country, the Carroll family settled in Orange, California, in 1974. John pursued his Master of Arts in Public Administration from Pepperdine University before retiring from the Marine Corps in 1976. He then embarked on a second career in the banking industry with Home Savings of America, where he worked until his second retirement in 1996.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John found great joy in family, faith, and travel. He and Marilyn enjoyed cruises, traveling to visit family, and spending time with their loved ones. His greatest pride and happiness came from his eight grandchildren: Shannon, John, Nathan, Claire, Eva, Charlotte, Brady, and Delaney, who will forever cherish memories of their “GrandDad.”

In 2023, John was recognized by the President of the United States as an “Atomic Veteran” for his service during nuclear testing while stationed aboard the USS Boxer—a long-overdue honor for a life of bravery and sacrifice.

John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, devotion to his family, his quick wit, and his love of country. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the example he set of service, faith, and love.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; their four children and their spouses, John and Jenny Carroll, Mary and Dan Allen, Nancy and Mark Starr, and Betsy and Nick Sobraske; their eight grandchildren, Shannon Wilson, John Wilson and his wife Taylor, Nathan Carroll, Claire Carroll, Eva Starr, Charlotte Starr, Brady Sobraske and Delaney Sobraske; and their great granddaughter, Elle Wilson.

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church in University City (San Diego) on October 17th at 10:30 AM. Following the Mass, there will be a reception for all to attend and then John will be laid to rest with full military honors at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made in John’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans.

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