Carole Granger

Carole Granger, 81, of Troy, New York, passed away peacefully in De Pere, WI on Sunday, April 21, 2024 after a brief illness. Carole had a zest for life, was outgoing, had a hearty laugh and a beautiful smile! Carole loved animals, especially horses and dogs. Dancing to 50s music was Carole’s passion! Carole also enjoyed live music, especially jazz at the Black Box in Ft Pierce, FL, enjoying old friend (and fifth son) Bobby Stillwell playing in Arcadia, FL or listening to her granddaughter Katie and husband Matt perform at her assisted living facilities in Arcadia, FL and Green Bay, WI over the past 15 months.

Carole was a personable and amazing waitress, owned and operated a night club, worked for General Electric in Waterford, NY, owned and renovated multiple residential rental properties in the Capital District, NY area before she relocated to Stuart, Florida more than 30 years ago to enjoy the warm winters. Carole cared for the elderly for many years in Stuart before retiring and spending more time travelling to visit family and friends throughout the United States.

Carole is survived by four sons, originally from Troy, NY: Michael (Saundra) Del Giacco, De Pere, WI; David Del Giacco, Lake Forest, CA; Daniel (Betsy) Del Giacco, Stillwater, NY; and Derek Granger, Lake Forest, CA. Carole is furthered survived by four granddaughters, who she adored and was very proud of: Danielle (Cody) Aude, De Pere, WI; Nicole (Steve) Bucio, Valley Center, CA; Katie (Matthew) Osowski, Stevens Point, WI; and Dr. Amanda Del Giacco, Lake Forest, CA. Carole adored her three (and a half) great grandchildren: Moxie, Abram (her dance partner), Oliver Gene, and a great grandson due in early July. Carole enjoyed getting calls many times a week from Moxie and Abram during the pandemic. They read stories to her from library books they picked out just for “Nana” Carole. Carole loved her sons’ wives and their families dearly and often visited them throughout the United States during special family-related events. Carole enjoyed “face-timing” her granddaughters and great grand children, including seeing and talking to the newest addition to her family, Oliver Gene, born 7 months ago.

Carole is further survived by her brother, Charles (Peggy) Wagar and Sue Pugliese, Rotunda West, FL; niece Suzanne Wagar Raby, Englewood, FL; and Jason (Danielle) Wagar, Englewood, FL and their families. Barbara (Frank) Piccarillo, Troy, NY, was the sister Carole never had. Barbara always remembered Carole during special occasions by calling and sending cards with thoughtful, encouraging words and family pictures that always warmed Carole’s heart.

Carole was predeceased by her father, Edward Wagar, Troy, NY; her mother, Audrey Wagar Beaudry, Troy, NY; step-father Claude Beaudry, Manhattan, NY, and many aunts and uncles. Also very loved and dear to Carole: daughter-in-law, Luigina (Gina); Lake Forest, CA.

There are many to thank who touched Carole’s life: her best friend, Shirley Thilking, Schaghticoke, NY, daughter Michelle Thilking, Port Charlotte, FL; and granddaughter, Kayla Fletcher, Moran, WY, who was Carole’s “guardian angel” during a health scare 16 months ago . Lois (Doug) Collins, Arcadia, FL brightened Carole’s days by bringing their horses to Carole to pet and “love on” during her stay in Arcadia. Carole’s dear friend and hairdresser for decades, Angela (Bob) Rice, Hobe Sound, FL. Armond Rubino was a good friend and “handyman fixer” at her condo in Stuart, FL. Special thanks to the leadership, staff, and residents of Arcadia Oaks Assisted Living Facility, Arcadia, FL, who made Carole feel like “family” during her 13 month residence. One of Carole’s dear friends at Arcadia Oaks was Dot; they shared many laughs and “mischief” together. A special thanks to the med techs, nurses, care team, and cooks at Allouez Parkside Village in Green Bay. Also, thanks to the Aurora Hospital and Endocrinology team for their recent care of Carole. Dr. James “Doc” Williams (Synergy Medical in Appleton, WI) made a lengthy home visit the day before Carole’s passing and ended the visit with a hug, which warmed Carole’s heart. The Synergy Medical Services Nursing Staff, northeast Wisconsin, was an amazing team of comfort, care, and information during Carole’s brief residence in Green Bay.

“A light remains where a beautiful soul has passed … you will be sorely missed by family and friends … until we meet again!” A Celebration of Carole’s Life will be held at a later date.