THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Alan Lee Carroll, 92, formerly of Chestertown, passed away peacefully in his home in The Villages, Florida, on Feb. 3, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.
Alan had a long and fulfilling life and will be remembered for many things, especially his integrity, faith and gentle sense of humor. He had a positive outlook on life, a twinkle in his eye when he was having fun and was completely devoted to his family.
Alan was born in Easton on Oct. 20, 1933 to the late Robert James Carroll and Alma Granger Carroll.
He was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Crew.
He attended Chestertown High School and continued his education at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware.
He proudly served in the United States Army Signal Corps as a cryptographer.
On Dec. 22, 1954, Alan married Ruth K. Kullmann. Together they spent 18 months living in France and traveling throughout Europe before returning home to settle in Chestertown.
Alan joined the family business, Park Cleaners, in 1962. As president of the company, he relocated the dry cleaning and laundry operation to Chestertown while maintaining the Kingstown location for rug cleaning. He took great pride in the business and was always seeking ways to improve it. In 1968 he expanded the business to include floor coverings; he later moved that division back to Kingstown after selling the dry cleaning business to Admiral Cleaners of Annapolis.
Keeping the business in the family, Alan’s grandson, Bob Schauber, purchased the Kingstown operation, now known as Chesapeake Family Flooring.
Alan retired in 2004 at the age of 70 and moved to The Villages.
Alan was deeply committed to his community and his faith, and was actively involved in numerous civic organizations. Among many roles, he served as director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce; vice president of Kent County Savings and Loan for 20 years; president of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company; and a member of the Lions Club for more than 50 years.
His service also included membership in Masonic Lodge #115, Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post 36 and the board of directors of Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital, serving for 11 years including two years as chairman of the board.
Alan’s personal life was marked by long partnerships. After the passing of his wife Ruth in 2014 following 60 years of marriage, he later married Penelope “Penny” Johnson. They shared several joyful years of travel and companionship until Penny’s passing in 2020.
On Dec. 14, 2024, Alan married Cedalia Shute. Together they enjoyed a special time filled with laughter and a shared love of music, faith and dear friends.
Alan is survived by his daughters Michelle Roderick and Teresa Schauber (Ron) and his son David Carroll. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Patrick Roderick (Leeann), Clint Roderick (Kelsey), Jimmy Roderick (Lydia), Bob Schauber (Brandy), Erica Maier (Eric), Carla Schauber, Jane Rones (Adam), Nicole Glasner, Zachary Carroll (Caity), Nicholas Carroll, Blade Carroll and Logan Carroll, as well as 19 great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his niece Julie Athey, her husband Ron and their children Charlie, Eddie and Trish.
Services in The Villages and in Chestertown are to be announced at a later time.
