Joseph Paul Carollo

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Joseph Paul Carollo, who left this world in the comfort of his home on December 14, 2025 surrounded by love and held forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Joe was born on March 25, 1940, in Wyandotte, Michigan. From an early age, Joe demonstrated determination, discipline, and quiet strength, qualities that would shape the course of his life and leave a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Joe’s athletic talent and unwavering work ethic earned him a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, an achievement he carried with great pride. He went on to build an extraordinary professional career, playing twelve seasons in the National Football League as a left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns. Though his accomplishments on the field were remarkable, Joe remained humble, never seeking attention and always valuing teamwork over individual recognition.

Above all else, Joe was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, a dedicated father to his three children, and a gentle, adoring grandfather to his six grandchildren. He also shared a close bond with his three sisters, cherishing family connections throughout his life.

As a husband, Joe was a true partner, faithful, supportive, and endlessly loving. His marriage was built on devotion, laughter, and quiet moments of understanding that spoke louder than words. He showed his love not only through what he said, but through the life he built and the care he gave every day. As a father and grandfather, he was a guiding light. He taught by example showing the value of kindness, hard work, integrity, and unconditional love. His children were his greatest pride, and he celebrated their successes, comforted them in their struggles, and loved them without limits. His lessons and love will live on through them always. As a brother, Joe was loyal, dependable, and deeply caring. He shared lifelong bonds built on shared memories, support through life’s challenges, and a love that never wavered. He was someone his siblings could always count on through good times and difficult ones alike.

Joe found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved going to the gym, cooking, playing cards, watching sports and movies, and gathering around the table for family meals, especially during holidays. These moments, filled with laughter, music, stories, and togetherness, meant everything to him. His calm presence, caring heart, and steady guidance made him a source of comfort and strength for his family.

Joseph Paul Carollo will be remembered not only for his accomplishments as an athlete, but for the man he was, kind, disciplined, generous, humble, and deeply loving. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the love he gave, the family he cherished, and the lives he touched. He will forever remain with us in our memories, our stories, and our hearts.

The family warmly invites those who wish to honor their loved one to join in celebrating a life well-lived. Expressions of sympathy, in the form of flowers, can be ordered directly from Madison Avenue Florist