SARATOGA SPRINGS — David R. Carr Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 18, after a long illness.
Dave was born in Saratoga Hospital on Sept. 13, 1931, the son of W. Rowland and Marion Carr. He grew up on Fifth Ave. in Saratoga Springs and graduated from Saratoga High in 1949. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from St. Lawrence University in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen, Maryland from 1953-56.
Upon graduation and discharge from the Army, Dave moved back to Saratoga and married Rosemary D’Andrea, his loving wife of 55 years. Dave was employed as General Manager of Starbuck’s Department Store for 17 years until he became president and owner in 1973.
Dave was very active in his community and loved Saratoga Springs. He was an usher and lector at St. Clements Church and past member of the Parish Council. Dave was a member of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club for over 57 years. He was past president, founding member and past president of the Lions Eye Institute at Albany Medical Center and Vice President of the Sight Conservation Society of Northeastern New York. He received many awards as a Lion including a Melvin Jones Fellow and the Robert Uplinger Distinguished Service Award. He was also a three-time recipient of the International Presidents Award. There is a conference room named in his honor at Albany Medical Center.
Dave was a member and past president of the Saratoga Spring Board of Education, past president of the Saratoga YMCA, past president of the United Way, past president of the Downtown Retail Merchants Association and past vice president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Dave was also a Governor of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and Keeper of the Shillelagh, an honor which he treasured.
When Dave wasn’t serving his community he could be found on the golf course or walking. He was a master gardener and loved the outdoors. Dave’s quick wit, infectious smile and trademark sayings will be missed by all who knew him. Dave was a humble hero.
The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the dedicated staff of Wesley Healthcare Center for their loving care. In a short time, Dave had created heartfelt bonds and inspired his caregivers.
Dave was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary D’Andrea Carr. Dave is survived by his sister, Marcia Carr, who resides in Saratoga Springs; his two children, David R. Carr, Jr. (Donna) of Saratoga Springs and Diane Carr of Kennebunk, Maine. The pride and joy of Dave’s life were his five grandchildren: Laura McCullough of Ft. Myers, Florida, David McCullough of Kennebunk, Maine, Logan Carr of Boston, and Tyler and Madison Carr of Saratoga Springs. Dave is also survived by his loving companion, Nancy Morrissey of Saratoga Springs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation, P. O. Box 759, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 or visit www.saratogaspringslions.com to make donations on-line.
