News Summary
James L. Carr Jr., the CEO of H. Carr & Sons Inc. and a notable figure in the construction sector, has died unexpectedly at 73. His leadership transformed the company into one of the largest interior contractors in New England. Carr was instrumental in major projects such as Gillette Stadium and Foxwoods Casino. Beyond his professional achievements, he was actively involved in philanthropy, earning recognition for his community service. Carr leaves behind a legacy of family devotion and contributions to the construction industry.
Lincoln, Rhode Island – James L. Carr Jr., a prominent figure in the construction industry and the CEO of H. Carr & Sons Inc., has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 73. His death occurred on July 6, 2025, while he was on Prudence Island and was confirmed through an obituary released by Bellows Funeral Chapel.
With an extensive career spanning over five decades, Carr played a pivotal role in the growth and success of H. Carr & Sons Inc., a family-owned general contracting company founded by his grandfather in 1930. Under Carr’s leadership, the company expanded significantly, increasing its workforce from approximately 50 employees to over 900 at its peak. His tenure resulted in H. Carr & Sons becoming one of the largest and most respected interior contractors in New England.
Some of the most notable projects that Carr was instrumental in include the construction of Gillette Stadium, Foxwoods Casino, Mohegan Sun Casino, MGM Springfield, as well as various educational buildings at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Brown University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
Carr was born and raised in Rhode Island, starting his journey in Pawtucket. He graduated from WPI in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, where he was inducted into Chi Epsilon, the National Engineering Honor Society. Immediately after completing his studies, Carr joined his family’s business, which set the foundation for his illustrious career in the construction sector.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Carr was known for his active role in various civic and philanthropic initiatives. He served as the Chairman of BuildRI, aimed at fostering collaboration within the construction industry. His contributions to the community included a decade of service on the Board of Directors for Women & Infants Hospital, as well as fundraising activities for both WPI and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Carr’s efforts in civic engagement earned him several accolades, such as the Edward A. Iannuccilli, MD Civic Leader of the Year Award and the Senator John H. Chafee Distinguished Citizen Award.
Throughout his life, Carr cherished family time spent in locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including Lincoln, Providence, Rumford, and Holliston, with memorable moments at Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Wood, and their children: James Lambert Carr III, Tara Wood, Amanda, William MacDonald Carr, Harry Fletcher Carr, Emily Wood, and Timothy Stuart Carr. He also leaves behind his sister Regina Carr Parry and her family, along with his cherished grandchildren.
Carr’s family has requested that, instead of flowers, donations be made to the Hasbro Children’s Golf Invitational in his memory. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2025, at Saint Jude Church in Lincoln, Rhode Island, followed by burial at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.
James L. Carr Jr.’s unexpected passing leaves a significant void in the construction community and reflects a life filled with professional achievements and personal devotion to family and service.
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