William Carangelo

William Richard Carangelo, born June 22, 1933, went to be with God (or as Bill would say, “whoever or whatever God is”) on November 29, 2022. He died at home surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his first wife Patty, his daughter Peggy, and his grandson Salvatore. He is survived by his wife Joanna; his children Billy, Patrick, John and Kay; his stepchildren, John, Jim, Jason, Dorothy, and Delaine; 18 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Carter. Bill was born in Staten Island, NY, one of six children. When he was 13 years old his family moved to a farm in Thompson, PA, where he graduated in a class of 13 people. He went on to serve his country through army intelligence during the Korean War, and for the remainder of his life through his volunteer work with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. After graduating from King’s College in PA, he became a high school history teacher in upstate NY, where he worked for 30 years. He then switched careers and worked in southwest Florida as a Protective Investigator addressing neglect, abuse, and exploitation of the elderly. After “retirement,” he worked for the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Salisbury, NC and Lexington, KY. He also worked in customer relations for Mater’s Motors and The Laundry Room in Stanley, NC. He loved serving his community through volunteering for organizations including Meals on Wheels, Volunteers of America, and Boy Scouts of America. He also visited and sang with the residents of TLC nursing home. He was a member of FUMC Common Ground in Stanley, NC. He identified with gorillas and loved gardening and tools (including hardware he refused to get rid of, because who knows if you might need that particular, random screw one day for an important project that happens to be missing a screw). He loved (and was loved by) his dog Carter (even though he didn’t want him initially, but his wife insisted and per usual, she was right and he was better for it). Beautiful music moved his soul and made him cry. Hum a few bars of a favorite song and watch the tears flow. He was known for his Thanksgiving stuffing, partly because it was delicious, but mainly because it kept people wondering “How can one recipe require the use of every single dish, pan, and utensil in the kitchen?” He was a life-long NY Giants fan, and often provided loud pro bono “coaching” to the team from his recliner. A self-described contemplative and student of life and philosophy, Bill never claimed to know exactly who or what God is. Though, many of us (including doctors, waiters, and random passers-by) had the good fortune of hearing his musings along the way, often more than once (or twice, or three times). He was certain, however, that God was ultimately about love and service, and he lived each day striving to better love and serve his country, his community, and his family. Most importantly to him, Bill dedicated his love and his service to his family. He was a father to many and always opened his home (or moved his home) to be there for family. He was a loving husband, son, brother, stepdad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family and friends will gather to remember Bill at FUMC Common Ground in Stanley, NC on Saturday, Dec. 17. There will be a service at 11 AM, followed by food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor can be made to FUMC Common Ground Upkeep Fund (5481 Hickory Grove Road, Stanley, N.C. 28164) or to

SEND International (P.O. Box 513, Farmington, MI 48332).

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