Richard Joseph Carroll of Reading, formerly of Melrose passed away April 20, 2007 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House of Danvers, Massachusetts. He was only 58 years old. Born on December 2, 1948 in Cambridge to Frances T. (Murray) Carroll & the late Jeremiah J. Carroll. Richard was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and entered the United States Air Force from Melrose. He was proud to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Mr. Carroll worked as a security guard with Specta Guard of Boston for over 7 years. He was a big sports fan, loved to golf, watched the Red Sox and enjoyed playing cards on Saturday nights. He would even watch the entire draft to see whom the Patriots drafted. Richard was a member of R.O.V.I. (Reading Over Seas Veterans, Inc.) and the American Legion of Reading. He was the loving son of Frances T. (Murray) Carroll & the late Jeremiah J. Carroll. Father of Christine, Richard, Jr. & Shawn, all of Chelmsford. Long time companion of Phyllis Swan of Weymouth. Godson of Elizabeth M. Shea of Charlestown. Also survived by many caring cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tues. Apr. 24th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Marys Church Herbert St. Melrose at 10AM. Family & friends invited. Visiting hours Mon. 4-8PM. Donations in Richards memory may be made to Hospice of the North Shore 10 Elm St. Danvers, MA 01923. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Vietnam Air Force Veteran. For directions, obituary or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com