September 22, 2011
Cirillo, Carol (McCulloch)
Carol McCulloch Cirillo, a resident of Westwood for the past eighteen years, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 after a brief illness.
Carol was born in Northampton ,MA, the daughter of the late Malcolm McCulloch and the late Catherine (Dolan) McCulloch. She was the sister of the late Alan T. McCulloch.
Carol graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1968, and later earned a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. She worked as a teacher in the Boston public schools, a library assistant at the Vineyard Haven Public Library and as a library media specialist in the Waltham public schools before beginning her long association with the Belmont Day School in Belmont, MA.
Carol was a much loved school librarian at Belmont Day School and was the senior faculty member at the school where she began working in 1981.
Carol was also the school’s enrichment assembly coordinator, a member of the “greening” committee and an integral part of the admissions team. She taught students to knit, was birthday book coordinator, and was the unofficial school historian and keeper of the institutional memory. In her years at Belmont Day, Carol was also a second grade teacher, a reading and math specialist and for several years was Lower School Coordinator. Above all she was a friend and advisor to countless students, teachers and colleagues.
Carol was an expert knitter, a gardener and a dog lover. She enjoyed “fine dining” trips to Manhattan and vacation trips to Block Island , Chatham and Mt. Desert Island, Maine. Her favorite trips were always those to Los Angeles to visit her son, Tom, a graduate student at USC.
Carol is survived by her husband of thirty years, Jerry Cirillo of Westwood and her son, Thomas Cirillo, of Los Angeles ,CA. Visiting hours are on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at 649 High St., Westwood. Interment is private.
A memorial service will be held at Belmont Day School at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to the Belmon tDay School, 55 Day School Lane, Belmont, MA 02478.
Comments(10)
Jerry & Tom, words cannot express how heavy my heart is at the loss of my dear friend, Carol. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both during this difficult time. Carol left a mark here at Belmont Day that can never be forgotten. She touched countless lives with her love of reading and the sharing of a great story. Carol made me laugh, and my day usually started with a hello and daily check in as I made my way to my office next to the library. We shared space, we shared laughs, we shared opinions, we shared more laughs, and we shared a long history at BDS. She loved you both very much, and was loved by many. I am a better person having know her. With love, Dolly
Dear Jerry and Tom,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of dear Carol. I and our family remember her endless kindness and thoughtfulness. She was always reaching out, caring for the boys on the team and in the class, seeing if everyone had what they needed, and even tending to their siblings and dogs. Carol’s warm smile and way of being welcoming will never be forgotten by us. She greeted us with her smile, her hugs, and her laughter whenever we saw her. She enriched our lives and our experience at Nobles. We are very sorry to hear this news and want you to know we are thinking of you and of Carol.
Moira David Nate and Alexandra Byer
Dear Jerry and Tom,
You are both in our thoughts tonight as we remember Carol— a wonderful colleague and friend over the past 20 years at BDS. She was generous, funny, and kind—- I still have the socks she knitted for me one Christmas, and the Corgiville book she gave the girls when we bought our Corgi, Ranger. Thanks to Carol, Beckie has made countless felted handbags after taking Carol’s knitting class in Arts. We are so fortunate to have known and learned from Carol over the years!
Much love from Chris, Beckie, Katie, and Charles Price
Dear Jerry,
We were shocked and terribly saddened to learn that we have all lost Carol. Our daughters Emily, Julie & Amanda were her students and her friends, and we will all miss her. I remember how she encouraged her second graders to read by writing their own books. i spent many hours transcribing the books on a really basic computer (this would have been about 1989) and how much care Carol took to help each kid do their best. Belmont Day School was lucky to have her dedication for so long, and she will be missed.
With very best wishes, Sam & Debby Bruskin
Dear Gerald and Tom,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Carol.
Words cannot express our thoughts and feelings. Carol
was such a quiet, loving and caring person. We know that
through the years Carol has touched many people as she shared her talents with them. All who knew her shared in her graceful nature. We loved Carol.
Lots of love from Aunt Nona and cousin Nona
Jerry & Tom,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news.
You will be in our prayers.
Scott, Jennie & Kelley Inman
When Andrew was a prek student at BDS (a summer birthday boy), he was so excited when Carol called the summer birthday kids to the library for a donut. I think Tom, maybe a fourth grader?, threw confetti. Andrew still talks about this special memory. The following year, I spent many mornings shelving books while pregnant with Emily, reading to almost two year old Mallory. Carol and I discussed books, baby names, knitting, teaching,and her experiences at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (where my father also taught), and life in general. She was a special and caring person and I am grateful for her friendship, humor, and generosity of spirit. My thoughts are with you.
Maura Johnson
Dear Jerry and Thomas, I was saddened to hear about Carol, both about the cancer and then her sudden passing. We were next door neighbors and both in the Class of 1964 at Leominster High. We both went to UMass and slowy fell apart, as happens so many times. I’m grateful to have seen her at our last class reunion; we did a lot of catching up and enjoyed seeing each other. I will remember her fondly. My condolences to you both.
Richard Millette
Dear Jerry and Tom,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Carol’s death. I have thought of her often over the past few years. She had such a wonderful way with children, and since Ian and Tom were good friends we spent a lot of time together during those BDS days. I am thinking of you and of Carol. She was a very special person.
Dianne, Kristin and Ian Schaefer
Dear Jerry
Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Rindy Sicard (Bristol, RI)