Barbara is preceded by her parents Carl and Alice Caggiano-Long and brother John Caggiano. She is survived by her husband David Carroll, her step-daughter Linda Whatley, her son Jonathan Carroll, her daughter Stefanie Carroll, and two grandchildren, Leela and Logan Whatley. Barbara is also survived by two brothers Dean Caggiano, Phillip Long, and sister Cathy DiPinto.
Born in Burbank on September 10, 1951, Barbara Mary Caggiano came into this world a true character. When she started kindergarten at Saint Bridget's Catholic School in San Diego, her quick wit and spunky attitude swiftly led school officials to determine she might prefer public school. Barbara often said, with pride, that growing up with three brothers made her tough, but she also grew to have a big heart, perhaps from the close childhood relationships she spoke of having with her father and sister.
Barbara attended Mission Bay High School and joined the Drama Club, Band and Marching Band playing both the viola and flute, as well as the Girls Athletic Association excelling in gymnastics and softball. After graduating she joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971, and served a little more than four years during the Vietnam War. During her service, she deployed into Vietnam as a courier. Little is known of her service or honors due to the classified nature of her deliveries.
After returning to civilian life, she attended Point Loma College, San Diego Jr. College, and San Diego State University. She also decided to pursue sailing in order to reunite with her childhood crush, David Carroll. Within no time, they sailed to the top of the Lido 14 Class League and were betrothed at Mission Bay Yacht Club, January 27, 1979.
Barbara had started to pursue a law degree at San Diego State, but decided to postpone her education to start a family. Using money from Barb's GI Bill, they put a down payment on their first home in San Diego, and within no time, they were blessed with the arrival of Jonathan in 1982, and Stefanie in 1984.
In 1986 David returned to employment at Lockheed in Valencia, and Barbara became a teacher's aide and discovered a passion for swimming instruction and gourmet cooking. She became known for her lavish arrangements and creative dishes. Meanwhile she continued sailing with her husband and began teaching her children to sail as they came of age.
In 1993, the family relocated to Georgia where David continued working with Lockheed. Despite the absence of a Lido Class, the family could not due without the wind and water so they sailed Snipes. During their time in Georgia, Barbara became a Lifeguard, a Lifeguard Instructor, and a Water Safety Instructor. She also gained a specialty working with children who had near-drowning experiences and who were deathly afraid of the water. After experiencing such trauma, many children grow up refusing to ever enter the water again, but Barbara could have them swimming within a week.
With Barbara's encouragement, David pursued an opportunity to return to California in 1998. They purchased a house in Palmdale, and for the next four years, Barb worked as a Lifeguard at College of the Canyons in Valencia. She also had a pool installed in the backyard so that she could work with local children, and so her own children could pursue their born love for swimming via competitive racing and diving.
Sadly, in 2001, doctors diagnosed Barbara with multiple sclerosis, and after a few months, she lost most of the mobility on her right side. She could no longer sail, but remained an active participant in the Lido 14 Class and continued working with children with near- drowning experiences for as long as she could. As Barb lost the use of her right hand, she tirelessly pursued intricate canvas needlepoint and beading to keep her hand strong and her mind active. Her work brought smiles and laughter to many families and children as she gave away creations like Lido Fleet trophies, refrigerator magnets, piggy banks, tic-tac-toe boxes, and Christmas ornaments.
Throughout her life, Barb proved to be tough as nails but also thoughtful, kind, and generous. She made friends wherever she went, and constantly went out of her way to reach out to people, provide guidance, and help resolve problems. Barbara Carroll was a character in every way, she made an impact on just about everyone she met, and without a doubt left her imprint on this world. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and remembered with love and laughter.
Funeral will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Pacific Beach Mortuary, 4710 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109
Viewing 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Services 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Following the services will be a Celebration of Life at
Mission Bay Yacht Club, 1215 El Carmel Place, San Diego, CA 92109.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Barbara's name to the:
Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675
or
Vietnam Veterans of America
1141 S. 7th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104,
314-588-8805,
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