William Carl

William R. Carl, 92, of 13 Fuller St., Mount Jewett, died Friday (April 14, 2017) at his residence. He was born Dec. 3, 1924, to Robert and Belva (Clark) Carl. He is survived by Irma J. Lucarelli Carl, whom he married in 1998. Mr. Carl was a World War II veteran. He served in the Army in the 1st Infantry Division — better known by its nickname “The Big Red One,” or “BRO.” He participated in BRO’s brave landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day and the harrowing assault that followed. Carl recounted his role in the military as part of Penn State University’s oral history project, and an interview with him — which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g340gQ6i_A4 — serves as a memorial to his service as well as a reflection on his return to Normandy and the eternal friendships he formed. He was a proud member of the Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial Club American Legion Post #574 and VFW Post #6347 for 71 years. He was also a member of the Mount Jewett United Methodist Church. Following his return from World War II, he settled back in Mount Jewett for the remainder of his life but continued his service to his country in the National Guard, retiring in 1984. He retired in 1986 after a long career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He had many good friends over the years, and treasured the friendship of his buddies Don Warren Sr. and Paul Ewing. In addition, he was especially fond of his neighbors Brad, Cathy and Ryan Paulson, who assisted him and his wife in innumerable ways. William and his first wife, Mary Lou (Simons) Carl, had six children before her untimely passing in 1970. A son, Donald R. Carl, and a daughter, Doreen K. Cardamone, also preceded him in death. Their four other children survive him, Daniel W. Carl of Bradford, Darla R. (Gary) Smith of Ocala, Fla., Dee Dee (Stephen) Hess of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Diane L. Ayala of Port Allegany. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; an aunt, Nesby Huntoon; and an uncle, Floyd Carl. He was also preceded in death by four siblings, his brother, Terry Carl; sisters, Lois Rupert, Bonnie Hess and Phyllis Noblit; and great-grandchild, Helena Moffett. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Mount Jewett. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Craig Smith, pastor, officiating. Full military services will follow at the church, then burial will be at Bridgeview Cemetery. The family asks that memorial donations be made to any fund that benefits Mount Jewett. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cummings Funeral Home. Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.