Carroll W. Magaw, 93, of Shapleigh, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough. A hardworking man with a warm personality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a deep love for his family, Carroll lived a full and meaningful life built upon dedication, friendship, and the simple pleasures that brought him happiness.
Carroll was born on February 9, 1933, in Clinton, Maine, the son of Milford and Ruth Magaw. He grew up in Clinton, where he attended local schools. Following his schooling, Carroll proudly served his country in the United States Army, an experience that would remain an important part of his life.
After completing his military service, Carroll relocated to Massachusetts, where he met Gloria Strickland, the woman who would become the love of his life. The two were married in 1959, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 65 years. Together, they raised six children and built a life filled with love, hard work, and countless cherished memories. Through the joys and challenges of raising a large family, Carroll and Gloria remained devoted to one another, sharing a bond that endured until Gloria’s passing in 2024.
Throughout his working years, Carroll was employed in the construction industry, where his strong work ethic, determination, and skill served him well. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he eventually ventured out on his own, establishing a construction company that he successfully owned and operated for many years. Carroll took great pride in his work and in the business he built, but even greater pride in knowing that his efforts helped provide a good life for his family. He believed in the value of an honest day’s work and led by example, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and dedication.
Following his retirement, Carroll and Gloria returned to his home state of Maine, settling in Shapleigh, where they looked forward to enjoying a quieter pace of life together. Retirement gave Carroll more time to pursue the activities he loved, particularly his enthusiasm for tractor pulling and attending local agricultural fairs. A member of the Doodlebugs Tractor Club, he enjoyed the excitement of the pulls, the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, and the friendships that grew from their shared interests. He was also a member of the American Legion in Sanford, maintaining a connection with fellow veterans and the community.
Carroll was truly a people person. Outgoing, friendly, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, he had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Whether he was attending a fair, visiting with friends, or simply going about his day, Carroll always seemed to find someone to talk with. He enjoyed sharing stories, exchanging a good laugh, and making connections wherever life took him. His easygoing nature and genuine interest in others earned him many friendships over the years, and he will be remembered fondly by the countless people whose lives he touched.
Above all else, Carroll was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and everything he worked so hard to accomplish was rooted in his desire to care for those he loved. While he took pride in his accomplishments, it was his family and the life he and Gloria built together that meant the most to him.
Carroll leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, friendship, and love. Those who knew him will remember his welcoming personality, his quick wit, his willingness to share a conversation, and the genuine happiness he found in life’s simple pleasures. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends and in the many stories and treasured moments they will continue to share.
Carroll was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gloria Magaw, and his son, Richard Magaw.
He is lovingly survived by his five children, Deborah Libby of Shapleigh, William Magaw and his wife, Tara, of Luxembourg, Susan Tedesco and her husband, Jimmy, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Timothy Magaw and his wife, Wendy, of Ogden, Utah, and Madeline Lahssak of Quincy, Massachusetts; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous friends who will remember him with great affection.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located on Stanley Road in Springvale.
Carroll’s was a life well lived, filled with the rewards of hard work, the joy of lasting friendships, and, most importantly, the love of family. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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Rest in peace my friend until we meet again đź’” Tim