Funeral Mass for Charles Franklin “Junior” Carollo, 89, of Leland will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 29 at St. James Catholic Church in Leland. He was born on September 3, 1929 and he left this earth for his heavenly home on March 25, 2019. Burial will be in the Carollo family plot at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.
He is predeceased by his wife, Grace, his parents: Charlie and Lucile Thornton Carollo, one sister: Camille Dorion, brothers: Otis, Sammy, Billy, Paul, Johnny and James. Surviving him are his daughters: Terry Powell (Jack) of Huntsville, AL, Patsy Hoffman, also of Huntsville, AL, and Cindy Peterson of Acworth, GA. Other survivors include his brothers: Mike Carollo (Vicki) of Madison, MS, and Alphonse Carollo (Wanda) of Tuttle, OK, and sisters: Sarah Marie Stanton of Greenville, Linda Winters of Jonesboro, AR, Roselyn St. Clair (Bubba) of Zachary, LA, and Barbara Ivy (David) of Brandon, MS. He also leaves four granddaughters and two great grandsons, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
He was retired from the Frito Lay Corporation and the Corp of Engineers. Although he had lived in other areas, his heart and home were always in Leland. His Leland High School Class of 1948 was like family to him. So much so, that they gathered several times a year to celebrate birthdays and other events together.
“Junior” was one of the most outstanding athletes to ever graduate from Leland High School. He lettered thirteen times in sports while holding down part-time jobs to help support his large family. He also distinguished himself by being named President of the Class of 1948, Mr. Leland High School, Most Versatile and was Captain of the football team. After high school, he attended Perkinston Junior College on a football scholarship and was a member of the team that won the national junior college championship.
He was a lifetime member of St. James Catholic Church in Leland where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His favorite past times included hunting and fishing with local friends and, being an ardent supporter of Mississippi State, he relished attending all Mississippi State sporting events. A particular highlight of Junior’s life was going on a cruise that “his girls”, as he called his daughters, had arranged for the entire family. Junior also loved being with members of his extremely large family at numerous Carollo family reunions.
His family wishes to thank the employees and residents of Magnolia Gardens where he had made his home for the last several years. They would also like to thank Grace Hospice Care and the staff at Legacy Manor Nursing Home. They would especially like to thank his sister, Sarah Marie Stanton for her tireless care for him, including making regular visits, taking him out to eat and for haircuts, as well as for ensuring that he attended Mass at his beloved St. James Church on Saturdays.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to St. James Catholic Church, 312 East Third Street, Leland, MS 38756.
Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 10:00-11:00 am.