Obituary of Malcolm Joseph Carolan

Malcolm “Boss” Joseph Carolan passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in Rockaway on Thursday, August 12, 2021. He had shared 82 years of unconditional love, hard work, dedication, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born in Orange, NJ to the late Thomas and Margaret, Malcolm was one of four sons raised in the Vailsburg section of Newark. After graduating from Carteret Preparatory High School in West Orange, he went on to proudly join the family business Nalorac Packaging started by his father Thomas Carolan in 1948. Malcolm continued in the business changing it to Carolan Packaging in 1966 and continued running until he turned it over to son Joseph a couple years ago. Malcolm was a workhorse and took pride in the family business. He was always working to support his family consistently and with a smile. He married his best friend and soulmate, Maureen Margaret Kilcommons on February 4, 1961 and settled into Rockaway Borough to begin a family of their own, where they have remained ever since. When he became a Grandpa his life was complete. He referred to all of his granddaughters as “Princesses” and his grandsons as “Tigers”. Endearingly nicknamed “Boss” by his grandchildren, the name stuck in his everyday life due to the respect everyone had for Malcolm. He was an incredible Boss in work and life. Malcolm knew that life was short and you have to enjoy it. He was always cracking jokes, laughing, smiling, and making the world a better place. He was a member of St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway. He had also been a member of the Knights of Columbus. Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his parents, brothers, Kenneth, Leroy and Donnie, his loving Aunt Margaret O’Keefe, and his daughter, Margaret.    

He leaves a lifetime of joyful memories to his beloved wife of 60 years, Maureen; his adored children, James (Monica), Mary Alice (Frank) Cole, Joseph Patrick (Gina); and his treasured “Princesses” and “Tigers”, Timothy Carolan, Megan Carolan, Alyssa Carolan (fiancé Kamden Hall), Maggie Cole, Sean Carolan, Aidan Cole, and Thomas Carolan; and many extended family and dear friends.

Public Visitation will take place on Monday, August 23^rd from 5 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 24^th at 10 am at St. Cecilia Church, 90 Church Street, Rockaway. Burial will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery, Rockaway. Memorial Donations are being accepted to the Alzheimer’s Association by way of www.inmemof.org. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of “Boss” here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he endowed to us.