Our Founder - Frank H. Carr

Frank H. Carr, founder of the Carr Funeral Service, became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in March of 1926. Frank began his business in Charlestown using store front offices, as they were called, because all wakes were held in the homes of the deceased. After using several locations in Charlestown, Frank bought a house in 1945 at 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, and converted it into a funeral home, which is the same location it operates from today. Frank and his wife Anne had nine children while pursuing his funeral service career. Frank was active in civil and social events in Charlestown, mainly Bunker Hill Council #62 Knights of Columbus where he was involved in running trips to various locations for Charlestown residents. It became known as "Club 62". Frank Carr was a very dignified and humble man who took pride in his profession, knowing the people of Charlestown could depend on him during their most difficult times. Frank H. Carr passed away on January 1, 1984 while packing his suitcase to go on a trip with "Club 62".

Philip X. Carr

Philip X. Carr followed his father's profession and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in November of 1957. The youngest of nine children, Philip joined his father and together they extended to the families of Charlestown the dignity and compassion that is needed at a time of loss. In 1979 Phil and his wife Mary, while bringing up their four children, decided to expand the funeral home in Charlestown concerned that the families he was serving needed the comfort and amenities of home. He expanded the funeral home to accommodate larger families, while also considering those with smaller families and simple taste.

In 1983, Philip endeavored outside of Boston city limits and purchased the former Connolly & Gaudreau Funeral Home, now the Philip X. Carr Funeral Home, at 1159 Main Street, Melrose, MA, hoping to extend to the people of Melrose, Wakefield, Saugus, and Stoneham, the same commitment of dignity and compassion that he had given the families of Charlestown for the previous twenty seven years. In 1995, he expanded the Melrose location by 1600 sq. ft., to the existing floor plan, modernizing the entire structure with one of the largest viewing chapels in the area. The restrooms and entire building was considered for the physically impaired. Both facilities have enlarged off street parking areas.

Phil is very active in many social and civic affairs such as Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus, Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, Old Charlestown Boys Association, Bunker Hill Associates, Charlestown Lions Club, and former member of the Melrose Rotary Club, St. Francis De Sales Church Holy Name Society and St. Vincent De Paul Society. Phil and his wife Mary reside in Charlestown.

Phiip X. Carr, Jr.

Philip X. Carr, Jr., became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in October of 1980. Philip began his career in funeral service experiencing the dignity and quality of professionalism from both his grandfather and father. For a short time, three generations were working as professionals in funeral service at the same location. With many years experience in funeral service, Phil believes he will be able to provide each family in crisis with individual dignity and personal care in an atmosphere of complete comfort therefore easing the loss of a loved one. Phil is a member of the Melrose Council #128, Knights of Columbus, Melrose Elks Lodge #1031, Melrose Chamber of Commerce, Former Board Member of the Melrose Y.M.C.A., and Melrose Symphony Orchestra, former member of Melrose Lions Club and Melrose Kiwanis Club. Philip X. Carr, Jr. resides in Melrose with his wife Suzanne and their children, Farren, Philip III, and Molly.

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