Carl W. De Prospo, 94

GILFORD — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carl William De Prospo. He left this world peacefully on Oct. 29, 2024, at the age of 94, after a short period of declining health.

He was born on July 8, 1930, in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of the late Joseph and Edith De Prospo née Pinque, who were Italian immigrants. He served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany for four years.

In 1954 he married the love of his life Rita née McGillick. Eventually, they made their way to the Jersey Shore and raised their children in Toms River. He was a lifelong car buff and worked in the automobile business for over 40 years. Carl and Rita followed their grandchildren to Gilford in 1995, and lived there for a few years until wanderlust took them to St. Augustine, Florida, where they made many friends and great memories. Eventually they came back to New Hampshire and enjoyed more happy and healthy years.

He loved baseball and the Cardinals were his favorite team. He also had a fond interest for history especially the world wars. His depth of knowledge and recall of past events was awe inspiring.

Carl had a smooth singing voice and loved karaoke. He was somewhat of a local celebrity, “Ole Blue Eyes” singing Frank Sinatra songs at the Shalimar Resort in Tilton, Giuseppe’s Restaurant in Meredith, and other establishments. He was still attending karaoke events with his friends Joe and Lou until last summer. One of his last performances was in Concord on the Bank Of NH Stage. He slayed the audience with his rendition of “The Lady is a Tramp.”

Carl is predeceased by his wife Rita, son Mark and daughter Nancy Swain, also his brothers Joseph, Art, Edward and Albert. He will be greatly missed by his son Carl, and daughter-in-law Mary Ann. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Jenna Coles (Jake), grandson James De Prospo (Shasta) and his daughter-in-law Lynne De Prospo. He was a great GG to Zyon and Vega.

The family would like to thank the Manchester VA and Elliot Hospital for their compassionate care.

There will be no calling hours.

He will be buried with full military honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. 

" ... Just make it one for my baby

And one more for the road."

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.