**Please see the revised service details below**

Joseph "Big Joe" Carroll

Joseph "Big Joe" Carroll, 79, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by the hugs and love of his family. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 10, 1947, Joe lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, and an unwavering commitment to the young people he taught and coached.

Joe was the beloved husband of Glenna Logan Carroll for 56 years. Together they built a loving family that was the center of his life. He was a devoted father and BIG Poppy to Ginny Carroll, (partner, Freddy Smith) and her children Michael and Ryan Lynch and Kim Carroll (husband, Michael “Moose” Poiesz) and their children Julia and Jake Smith. He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret DeGraw (Roger), John Carroll (Susan), and Bernadette Sherlock (Fred), along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former students, and athletes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Carroll (née Steuber). A proud graduate and active alumni of St. James High School and West Chester University, Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later completed master's equivalency studies through West Chester University and Pennsylvania State University. As a student athlete, he excelled in football and baseball and went on to play three varsity football seasons at West Chester University, earning All-East and State Conference honors.

Joe dedicated 36 years to education as a Health and Physical Education teacher in the Chester- Upland and West Chester Area School Districts. Beyond the classroom, he spent 27 years as a head football coach, inspiring generations of student athletes through his leadership, discipline, and encouragement. During his distinguished career, he founded the middle school football program and high school wrestling program in the Chester-Upland School District and served as an Athletic Director and coach of baseball, track, and wrestling, and women’s basketball.

After retiring from teaching and coaching in 2007, Coach Carroll transitioned to becoming a full- time BIG Poppy supporting his grandchildren. He could be found cheering from the stands during football, lacrosse games and swim meets; viewing art and watching screenplays; as well as watching them achieve academic success. In addition to spending more time with his grandchildren, he enjoyed traveling with Glenna, playing golf and found a new love of reading and became a frequent flyer at the Aston Public Library.

His impact extended far beyond wins and championships. Joe was co-founder of the Valor Bowl, a Chester County all-star football game that raised more than $350,000 for the Chester County Special Olympics athletes over two decades. He also served as a clinician at the Penn State Football Camp and Recreational Director for the Chester Housing Authority.

Throughout his remarkable career, Joe received numerous honors, including induction into the Saint James Catholic High School Wall of Honor, Chester High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Ches-Mont League Hall of Fame, Aston Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Delaware County Chapter), West Chester University Football Hall of Fame, Franklin Lodge No. 58 Community Service Award and most recently the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame. He was recognized as Coach of the Year by multiple organizations including Delaware County, Chester County and the NFL and received prestigious awards for community service, leadership, and his lasting influence on young athletes.

While Joe was proud of the awards and accomplishments he earned throughout his lifetime, those who knew him best understood that his greatest joy came from the relationships he built. He treasured the friendships he formed, the students he taught, the athletes he coached, and the countless lives he helped shape. His kindness, integrity, sense of humor, and dedication to others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Joe often reflected with gratitude on the many wonderful memories he shared with students and athletes in the classroom, gymnasium, and on the playing field. His legacy will live on through the thousands of lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the example he set.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, former students, athletes, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

"I hug my players, that’s who I am.” - Joe Carroll (2007)

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, with visitation from 4:00-7:00PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 24th from 10:00AM-11:45AM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home.

Memorial Service: Wednesday, June 24th at 12:00PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Aston Public Library, www.astonlibrary.org

In honor of Joe, the family invites those attending to wear Eagles/Phillies attire or apparel representing Chester County or Delaware County, reflecting the teams and communities he loved.