Click here to view and download the Celebration of Life for Carroll

On June 11th, 2020, in Salisbury, MD, Carroll Rodger McCloud passed away after a long battle with cancer.  He was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 21,1937, to Francis Baird (d) & Lonnie McCloud (d), and was raised by his Grandmother Ms. Guyva Urquhart (d).  

Carroll graduated from Temple University w/degrees in music & education.  He was an accomplished gymnast, a musician, a Jazz enthusiast/ audiophile, a self taught craftsman, and an educator/activist.  He had a long career as a teacher, beginning in PA, and subsequently co-founded the Experimental School System of Massachusetts, in Boston.   He ultimately became an administrator at UMASS Dartmouth (UMD), beginning in the Division of Continuing Studies, where he used his well honed creative skills to help adult evening students get the most out of their part-time educational experience.

Carroll was a driving force in founding the Fredrick Douglass Unity House at UMD, and was chosen as its 1st Director.  He assured that FDUH was a place where all students in need of sanctuary, especially marginalized students of color, could find safe haven.  FDUH became their home base where they could meet and express themselves with support from faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.  Carroll also created the START and START+ programs.  College students were matched with local high school and middle school students, to mentor, and also provide tutoring with the goal of helping each participant succeed in completing their education.

Carroll is survived by his devoted wife/partner of 42 years Denise McCloud, his step daughter Aisha Rebeiro, Ife’, his sons Mark, Lorne, Jeffrey, and Michael McCloud, their mother Joycelyn Gueh, and 8 grandchildren as well as several extended family members.  Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and colleague is remembered as a loving, patient, calm, steady presence, and a man who loved his family dearly.  He always made a conscious effort to be a positive force for everyone he encountered.  Carroll will truly be missed!