Obituary of Leo Daniel McCarron

 Leo Daniel “Lee” McCarron, 86, passed away at his home in Woburn surrounded by his family.  Lee was the dear husband of Carole (Lucca) for 58 years. Born in Boston, Lee was the son of the late Lillian Marie McCarron and Leo J. McCarron.  He was raised and educated in Cambridge and Arlington.  As a young man, Lee was a competitive swimmer, encouraged by his uncle. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Corporal before being injured. Discharged with full honors in 1953, he returned home to Arlington.

Lee met his future wife, Carole Lucca, on a blind date. Their courtship included dancing and trips to Hampton Beach. Lee and Carole married in 1960 and settled in Woburn, where they raised their five children. Lee worked for the Post Office as a Letter Carrier, walking his route in Arlington Heights. He took great pride in his job and in taking care of his customers, and was once recognized for saving lives during a fire.  He retired in 1988, to devote much of his time to watching over his grandchildren.  He was also a longtime member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 34. 

Lee was a self-taught carpenter and handyman. He was always improving the house and was never afraid to tackle a project. It was this quality that led to a serious injury in 2000. While re-siding the house, Lee fell from scaffolding and shattered both of his ankles. He worked hard to successfully recover his ability to walk.

Lee was an avid Boston sports fan. He read the sports page every day, and joked that the Red Sox won the World Series this year because he did not curse them by watching the games!  

Lee was the best dad. He was gentle, caring, and understanding. He worked hard to provide for his family. He loved nothing better than gatherings of his family for holidays or even just trips for ice cream. One of his final wishes was to go to Kimball’s for a hot fudge sundae, which he did, taking his great-grandson to introduce him to this family tradition. Traveling was a big part of Lee and Carole’s life. From car trips to cruises, Lee was always ready to pack up and head out. He often said all he needed was a bathing suit and a toothbrush and he was good to go. Lee’s greatest joy was to snuggle grandchildren and attend all their important life events. He was proud to witness his grandson Tim score four goals in one hockey game. He happily attended the weddings of two of his grandchildren, and many graduations.

A charmer to the end, Lee will be fondly remembered as a dedicated family man, a devout Catholic, and good friend who will be missed by all those who loved him.

Lee was the beloved husband of Carole (Lucca).  He was the loving father of Lynne Arnold & her husband Kenneth of Woburn, Christine Dooley & her husband James of Tewksbury, David McCarron of Woburn, Peter McCarron & his wife Heather of North Attleboro, and Sandra McCarron of Atlantic Highlands, NJ.  He was the proud grandfather of Matthew Arnold & his wife Eleanor, Bethany Arnold & her wife Courtney Leavitt, & Kerrin Arnold; Timothy, Sean & Kathleen Dooley; Kathryn McCarron; Rachel & Daniel Rodriguez; and great-grandfather of Graham Arnold.   Brother of Patricia Pettersen of Groton and the late Donald McCarron, Lee is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, MA 01801. Interment with Military Honors to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lee’s name may be made to Friends of the Woburn Public Library, 36 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801 or All Care Hospice, 210 Market St. Lynn, MA 01901.