Stuart Joseph Carroll
Stuart Joseph Carroll, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, just days after his 95th birthday, in Santa Barbara, the city he called home his entire life.
He was born April 19, 1931, to Robert J. and Margaret Carroll, one of six brothers in a family whose roots run deep in the community. He attended San Roque Catholic School and Catholic High School and remained closely connected to the Old Mission Santa Barbara throughout his life.
Stuart served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Soldiers Medal for bravery. After returning home, he studied mechanical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before joining R. J. Carroll & Sons Plumbing, the family business founded in 1931, now the oldest plumbing company in Santa Barbara. He took pride in continuing a tradition built on reliability, craftsmanship, and trust.
He gave his time generously to the community. Stuart was a member of the Suburban Kiwanis Club for 37 years, serving as President and Lieutenant Governor. He was also President of the Santa Barbara Power Boat Association, an active member of Elks Lodge 613, and one of the original members of the Santa Barbara Acceleration Association. For more than 50 years, he helped build the Christmas Manger (Creche) at the Old Mission, a quiet act of service that became part of the season for many local families.
Stuart loved the outdoors and traveling. In the early years camping, boating and water skiing around California was a family favorite. After retirement Stuart and Nancy traveled around the world and enjoyed motor homing with friends throughout the US and Canada.
Stuart shared 69 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy. Together they raised three children and built a close, loving family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Curry.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Stuart Carroll Jr., and wife Lori; his daughter, Kathleen and husband Robert Fontenot; three grandchildren, Stuart Curry, Morgan Fontenot, Shayna Carroll and husband Michael Wright; two great grandchildren, Tatum Curry Gibson and husband Braden & Chandler Gilliland and wife Gracie; and one great great grandson, McCoy Gilliland; and his Multipoo Chelsea who never left his side.
Stuart loved life. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He will be remembered as a devoted family man—strong, honest, fair, and resilient—who served as a father figure and role model to many of his children’s friends. Guided by his mantra, “It’s all good,” he made the most of each day. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held at the Old Mission Santa Barbara on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 am. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service.
