Carroll Lilly Obituary

Mount Desert Island-Carroll J. Lilly, born on February 10, 1939, in Gardiner, Maine, has left us to embark on his next journey. He passed on June 22, 2025, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, hard work, and love for his family. Carroll, the son of the late Harold and Edith (Lawrence) Lilly, was a pillar of strength, commitment, and perseverance. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," and Carroll was a man who took this to heart, with a storied career that spanned decades.
Carroll was a man of the road and the sea. He spent most of his life as an Auto & Truck Mechanic, eventually transitioning to the Marine Industry, where he spent many fruitful years at Pettigrew's Boat Yard. In his later years, he took to the highway, driving trucks across the country, hauling boats with a record that proudly boasted zero accidents. Carroll was not just a truck driver; he was a man who loved his work, adored his 1940 Buick, and found joy in Cruise-Ins and car shows. He also served with distinction as the Moral Officer for R&R Automotive, a testament to his integrity and character.
Carroll is survived by his son, Randy Lilly and his wife Johna; his daughters, Leanne Lilly and Diana Heckman and her husband Steve; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Madelyn Chapman, and Avis Stanley; and his brother, Bill Lilly. Carroll's life was not just about his achievements or his career; it was about the people he loved and who loved him in return. His family and close friends are a testament to the life he lived and the love he shared.
At the family's request, services will be private. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website www.StaplesFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Hancock County SPCA,
14 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605.