Russell “Dale” Carawan

January 30, 1950 - July 1, 2020
Russell “Dale” Carawan

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Russell “Dale” Carawan
January 30, 1950 – July 1, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Russell “Dale” Carawan, age 70, of Vandemere, NC. Dale passed at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville NC in the attendance of loved ones on July 1, 2020. A private memorial service will be announced by the family.
Dale was preceded in death by his father, Henry “Arline” Carawan Sr., mother Martha “Alma” Whealton Carawan, brother-in-law David Foy, sister-in-law Roberta Brennan Wooding, and brother-in-law James “Jimmy” Alfred Jr.
Dale is survived by his wife of 47 years Patricia Lynn Brennan Carawan of Vandemere NC, son Philip “Aaron” (Christina) Carawan of Alliance NC, son Christopher (Heather) Carawan of Chocowinity NC, daughter Kathryn “Emmalie” Carawan of Wilmington NC, sister Barbara Alfred of Stonewall NC, sister Mona (Gene Sr.) Lupton of Kinston NC, sister Judy Foy of Charleston SC, brother Henry (Nancy) Carawan Jr. of Albertson NC, brother Barry (Claudette) Carawan of Alliance NC, brother-in-law Brian (Mary-Ann) Brennan of South New Berlin NY, and grandchildren Owen, Ciarrah, Oliver, Brianna, and Gavin, and many more beloved extended family and friends.
Dale was born in Vandemere NC at his parents’ home and handed from the doctor to his oldest sister, Barbara. He grew up fishing and swimming around the docks in Vandemere, where he also learned mechanics and machining at Carawan Repair Shop. Dale lived near Stuart FL for a short time, before entering the Air Force in 1970 and serving through the end of the Vietnam conflict until he was Honorably Discharged in 1974 as an E-4 Sargeant, Airplane Mechanic. Dale met Patricia while he was stationed in Plattsburgh NY. They were married during a blizzard, at the preacher’s home, six months before Dale deployed to Utapao, Thailand. After the Air Force, Dale and Patricia moved back to Vandemere, where Dale returned to work at Carawan Repair Shop. Dale and Patricia then worked their fishing boat, shrimping, oystering, and crab-trawling. After his stint fishing, he went to work in industrial construction as a Journeyman Welder, Pipe-fitter, and Heavy Equipment Operator. Dale enjoyed tinkering as a “shade-tree mechanic” in his backyard, fishing, hunting, sailing, and gardening with his family during his downtime and after he retired.
You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Carawan family.

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  • July 17, 2020
    Brian Brennan says:
    So sorry to learn of Dale's passing. I remember many good times over the years with Dale when traveling down to NC from NY, to visit my sister Pat and to 'warm up' from a NY winter. I especially remember going oystering wth Dale and riding (out of the way) on the stern seat while shucking fresh caught oysters. :-)

  • July 19, 2020
    Kay and Dave DeSalvo says:
    Pat,Emmalie, Christopher and Aaron, David and are are so very sorry to hear of Dale's passing. May the memories of all the good family times sustain you during this sad time. Blessings on you all.

  • July 19, 2020
    Sherry Howlett says:
    Pat, Aaron, Christopher & Emily, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband & father. Please know you all are in my thoughts. Dale will be missed in town for sure. I hope you are all doing well and the healing of your hearts will happen in time. Always, Sherry Howlett

  • October 01, 2020
    Beth Carawan Bunting says:
    Saddened to discover this today. Although I didn't know Dale closely, I have fond memories of he and his brother Barry coming to my grandparents's home in Hobucken, (Jack and Janet Carawan) while I was a kid visiting during the summer. They provided lots of fun and entertainment! I believe that Aaron and our oldest son, Matthew are about the same age as I recall. Prayers for comfort and peace.