John Carbonneau

John, 93, died December 22, 2016. Born in Island Pond, VT November 6, 1923, he was son of Michael J. and Zelma (Hurley) Carbonneau. He is survived by his wife Elaine, sister Patricia Carbonneau, several nieces and nephews. He graduated from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT after a stint in WWII and taught history for three years before moving to Tampa in 1955. He was employed by the American Cancer Society, Florida Division, retiring as Vice President for Medical Affairs in 1986. His responsibilities included providing professional education seminars, fostering patient support groups, and working with government entities. He was most proud of having helped create ROCK Camp (Reach Out to Cancer Kids), the first camp in the country for children with cancer, and coordinating construction of the first Hope Lodge built specifically to house patients without charge while receiving treatment for cancer away from home. Active in many cancer control programs, he was for many years Executive Secretary of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology and Florida Tumor Registrars Association. John was active at Sacred Heart Church in Tampa for more than half a century. An avid historian, railfan and stamp collector, he was a co-founder and President Emeritus of the Island Pond Historical Society and a member of the Locomotive and Railway Historian Society and American Philatelic Society. He also enjoyed travel and writing articles on history of the Grand Trunk Railway, the first international railway in North America, especially its major route through his home town. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 605 South MacDill AV in Tampa beginning with recitation of the rosary at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond when weather permits. Those who may wish to make donations may consider Sacred Heart Church, P. O. Box 1524, Tampa FL 33601; Island Pond Historical Society, P. O. Box 408, Island Pond, VT 05846; American Cancer Society, 3709 West Jetton AV, Tampa FL 33629; Mater Dei Parish (St. James Church), 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, VT 05855 or the charity of their choice.