Obituaries

To Elaine and family, I am so sorry for you loss. While my interactions with Pete were primarily at North Plainfield High School, I am not one bit surprised by the positive impact he had on so many lives. This point was driven home to me at the HS football banquet Pete's senior year. As was the custom, the head coach, Richard Schneider, would make a few remarks about each senior, their accomplishments, and their benefits to the team. As Coach Schneider started his remarks about Pete he became choked up and had difficulty finishing. He said he was saying goodbye to someone very special. Someone who was really an on the field coach, an outstanding player, an outstanding captain, an outstanding person.

Posted by David Ahouse on April 19, 2016

Deepest sympathies to the Carmichael Family. I had the pleasure to play for Coach at BC and in Jacksonville. What a relief it was knowing the Hoag was there to provide levity and comic relief to dreary NFL practices and training camps. Funniest guy I ever met with the best timing. Will never forget when he jumped onto a chair in the middle of our locker room after defeating Miami in the Orange Bowl and cheered "Way to go defense!" after surrendering 45+ points! His joy created enthusiasm and laughter, yet his coaching ability was outstanding. He coached Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell to greatness on an expansion team in Jax. Will always remember, with a grin, the Coach who made football fun every day. Thanks Coach Carmichael

Posted by Dave Widell BC 87\' Slinky on March 31, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss. Coach Carmichael always had a way of making you laugh or smile when you saw him. Great coach and great person that have I fond memories of. I know he will be holding court and making people laugh up in heaven. Truly a great man.

Posted by Bill Romanowski on March 30, 2016

Elaine and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. When Elaine and I would take our morning walks in Mendon, she spoke of Peter with love and admiration.

Posted by Tricia Terrell on February 19, 2016

I was so sorry to hear about Coach Carmichael's passing. Having played linebacker at BC during the 69-71 seasons, I had an opportunity to get to know Coach and always appreciated his timely sense of humor. His personality and enthusiasm were infectious and his perspective and love of the game kept us mentally sharp and physically prepared. He was a fine coach and a good man who made football fun. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Al Dhembe

Posted by Al Dhembe on February 4, 2016

To the Carmichael Family - We all send our thoughts and prayers. Like many others, he brought me to BC and provided an incredible opportunity for which I will always be grateful. He was a great coach, and a better person who was an important figure to me and many of us. God bless him and his family.

Posted by Mike Marinaro on February 3, 2016

I'm sorry for your loss. You should be proud of Coach for all the people he touched with his energetic, fun and sincere personality. I played LB so I had the pleasure of having Pete, Bill Campbell and John Petercuskie along with Joe Daniels on Offense as our coaches. Coach C kept us laughing on and off the field. He had the funniest lines and made up great nicknames for everyone. He will be missed.

Posted by Dennis McCleary BC\'74 on February 3, 2016

Dear Elaine and Family I am so sorry to hear about Coach's passing. He was so influential in my life. I have so many great memories of him and they are all underscored with laughter. My first encounter was when he visited my family's small apartment in Irvington, NJ on a recruiting trip, sat at the head of the table, and devoured a ton of my Mom's spaghetti and meatballs all the while entertaining my parents, sisters and brother. When he left, my Mom turned to me and said "you are going to Boston College and play for that man." He was my coach for four years at BC along with Steve Kirchner and Joe Waters. The three of us spent countless hours with him in rock and roll trivia contests, and as Steve mentioned earlier, he was unbeatable! Upon graduating from BC, Pete helped me get my first teaching/coaching job back in NJ at Gov. Livingston HS in Berkeley Heights, NJ where Coach Jack Bicknell used to coach. After six years there, Pete called me up and offered a job coaching the secondary at the US Merchant Marine Academy. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse: $4,000 a year, an 80 hour work week, and a two bedroom apartment with three other guys...but those long hours were filled with great stories and lots of laughs. When I decided to leave coaching, Pete called a great friend of his who was a newspaper executive (Ray Vico), and recommended me for a sales position. It started my twenty-five year career in the newspaper business. To say that Pete Carmichael was influential in my life, is a grand understatement. I am so sad to hear of his passing and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. He was truly a GREAT ONE! Ed Prisco

Posted by Ed Prisco on February 3, 2016

Played for Coach Carmichael my first year as a walk on at Boston College in 1968. He always treated his players, scholarship or not, with great respect. For that I am very grateful. I had the pleasure of Coaching with him at Columbia where he endeared himself to all whom came in contact with him. Very sorry for the family's loss.

Posted by Charlie Blank on January 30, 2016

To the Carmichael family. I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Carmichael. I was a Graduate Assistant for BC back in the early 80's and truly loved being around Coach. I can still hear to this day Coach yelling at me when I did something wrong "MORGANNNNNNNN." He was a great coach and a great man who truly loved the game of football and life. Mark Morgan

Posted by Mark Morgan on January 29, 2016

Dear Carmichael Family: Very sorry to hear about your loss. Coach Carmichael was my position coach at BC and was so great to play for. I really grew up as a football player and person under his coaching.....he made the game fun with his infectious enthusiasm, and one liners. Coach loved trivia and I remember being invited to his house to play Jeopardy (he beat me badly)...he was a wealth of knowledge. I am so thankful and honored to have known Coach Carmichael and will miss him very much. John Petersen

Posted by John Petersen on January 28, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful coach who taught as much about life as he did about football. He always had great sayings that always seemed to be spot on, including my favorite "If you are confused where to go just follow the crowds and buses". You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Garrett Bradley on January 28, 2016

Dear Carmichael Family: I am very sorry to learn of Coach's passing. I have many fond memories of him during my summer days helping out at BC and, later, in Jacksonville, either around the team or watching his one-of-a-kind golf swing. I had the great pleasure of helping him with the WRs during training camp in the early 90s at BC and his love for the game and his players showed in everything he did. Coach was very special to a lot of people and will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Posted by Brian Maser on January 28, 2016

Sorry to the whole Carmichael family for your loss. I saw Pete this summer at St.Sebastian's watching his grandson working out. It was great to catch up with Coach. Pete had a tremendous influence on me and all the Boston College football players he came across. God Bless

Posted by Mark and Diane Kamphaus on January 28, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Will keep you all in our prays and remember all the fun times at Sweetgrass Lane and Holly Lane,ca

Posted by Linda Patrick and family on January 27, 2016

Coach was such a wonderful man! My son, Sam, really enjoyed all the interactions he had with him over the last few years that we have lived up the road from you. He was so kind and generous. He always stopped to say hello and give all of my kids words of encouragement. May he rest in peace. God bless you Elaine and your family.

Posted by The Balzanelli\'s on January 27, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I played Offensive Line at BC from 69 to 71. Although I never had him as a coach, I will always remember the great Trivia Contests we would have on old Rock & Roll groups of the 1950's on all of our away games. Our away trips to Air Force, and Texas Tech were filled with laughs and good cheer. He really knew how to relieve the tension. He will be missed. Rock on Coach, Rock on.

Posted by Kent Andiorio on January 27, 2016

To the entire Carmichael Family; please accept my most heartfelt sympathy at your loss.I was sad to hear of Coach Carmichael's passing away. I was very fortunate to be around Coach and learn from him, even if it was only for a brief time and I was on the other side of the ball. Coach was an authentic, original, smart and fun person and I truly enjoyed being around him. David Zumbach

Posted by David Zumbach on January 27, 2016

We send our deepest sympathies, Pete will be in our prayers.Pete was one of the best, always something going on.

Posted by Eddie and Charlotte Carroll on January 27, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to the entire extended Carmichael family. Pete and I worked together for many years at BC and with Pete around, there was never a dull moment. His love of life was still evident when he would call and ask for advice about his grandson... To this day I still tell Pete Carmichael stories and 'one-liners' to our current athletes and staff. After the sadness passes, there will eventually come joy for those who spent time with Peter. Steve Bushee, Boston College Sports Medicine

Posted by Steve Bushee on January 27, 2016

I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Coach Carmichael. His ability to settle everyone down to look at the big picture and most of all have fun was amazing. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Michael Campbell on January 27, 2016

The Carmichael Family, I am sorry for the loss of a great man! Coach 'C" made being at B.C. an enjoyable and memorable experience. He always had a way to make everyone laugh in our WR meetings. Thank you for sharing a great guy with us, he will be missed. Ivan "Ivy League" Boyd (he coined the nickname because I asked so many questions in the our individual WR meetings)

Posted by Ivan Boyd on January 27, 2016

I was truly saddened to hear of Coach's passing and will always have the fondest memories of playing for him as a DB at BC in the early '70's. He certainly brightened up our defensive huddles during practice, and together with Coach Campbell made the "game" a lot more fun to play. What a pair! Although he didn't give me my nickname, Coach would always call me "Gramps" even after years of not seeing each other. My condolences to the entire Carmichael clan, and know that he was an inspiration to me and so many others.

Posted by Pat \"Gramps\" Sgambati on January 27, 2016

Please accept our deepest sympathies! I had the pleasure of playing for Coach at BC, and then working with him in Jacksonville. He was a one-of-a-kind person and the heavens are smiling, if not laughing, because of Coach's unwavering comic relief. At times, we couldn't stop cracking up in DB meetings while at BC. Loved him and his family. Always in our hearts...GOD Bless and much love!

Posted by Quentin Williams a/k/a \"Mike\" on January 27, 2016

Pete Carmichael was a terrific football coach - and an even better person. He played a big part in some of the greatest football eras at Boston College, but was never too busy to share a funny story, a kind word or a laugh. He always made us "proud to be Eagles!"

Posted by Reid Oslin on January 27, 2016

Elaine, Pete Jr. and all the Carmichaels, I am so very sorry to hear the news. I loved Coach Hoag. For four years at BC, I didn’t really know him; I just thought he was a very weird guy on the other side of the ball making noises and making everyone laugh. I was so fortunate to keep in touch with him over the years, and I treasured all the crazy, random voice mail messages he would leave for me. I will miss him very much. God Bless Hoag and all of you.

Posted by Steve Strachan on January 27, 2016

Played for coach Carmichael in his first season at BC new coaching staff all winners great experience Sorry for your loss Coach Carmichael was special

Posted by Jim Grace on January 26, 2016

So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person Coach was and what a great life he lived. I remember Pete being the first coach I ever played for who seemed like he was having as much, if not more, fun than the players he was teaching. Being around Pete made us love the game even more than we already did. Thanks Coach

Posted by Steve DeOssie on January 26, 2016

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Carmichael. Not only did he recruit me in his first year at Boston College, but I also had the honor of playing a year at defensive back for Coach. I always appreciated his way of coaching and what a great sense of humor he had. He was a terrific Coach who will be missed. RIP Coach and thank you. My prayers and condolences to the entire Carmichael family.

Posted by Chris Tripucka on January 26, 2016

Dear Elaine and family, I was so very sorry to hear about Coach's passing. He was my position coach at BC in the early 70's and he was a great guy to play for. He cared deeply about all of his players as was such an inspirational coach that you would run through a wall for him. One of my great memories of Pete was having dinner at your home in '72. After dinner, he had a nerf football and was sending Pete Jr. who had just learned to walk, on pass routes in the living room. He was a special guy and while we mourn his loss, those of us who were his players and friends are so much better off for having known him.

Posted by Ned Guillet on January 26, 2016

It was and honor to have known Pete Carmichael. I was alumni director at BC during his long tenure with the Eagles. He was part of a marvelous staff assembled by Joe Yukica and all went on to great things and Pete was one of the best...fine character and yes, a jokester. My wife Jeanne knew him and Lois as well and we extend our deepest sympathies.

Posted by John and Jeanne Wissler on January 26, 2016

Very sorry to hear the news of Coach Carmichael's passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. Coach Carmichael had a very positive impact on my BC football experience and that impact endures to this day. He recruited me and was the main reason I choose BC. He always remembered something personal and positive about us- it was privilege to have known him. I can still see him bouncing a football on the turf at Alumni stadium in a spiral thrown at his feet like he was dribbling a basketball! God Bless Coach and his family and thanks Chris Leber '74

Posted by Chris Leber on January 26, 2016

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Carmichael. He was the only position coach I had at BC and taught me everything there was to know about playing the safety position. Under his tutelage, I had the opportunity to play 3 years against some of the best programs of the day (Penn St., Texas Tech, Air Force, West Virginia, Syracuse). Not only was Pete a great coach, but a great and fun loving person as well. He was always looking out for his players. I watched Super Bowl IV at his house and my wife and I visited with Coach and Elaine at the birth of Pete Jr. Eddie Prisco and I had many an Elvis Presley trivia contest with Coach (he always won) and he gave me a nickname (Blade)that lasted for years. I want to express my sincerest sympathy to Coach Carmichael's family. I will always remember him as an outstanding coach and person. Steve Kirchner

Posted by Steve Kirchner on January 26, 2016

Coach was not my position coach but that didn't matter. He knew everone and busted everyone's chops. He was probably the wittiest person I ever met. I stopped by BC unannounced one day, 20 plus yrs after I graduated ( Not a star, I barely played). Coach was on a bike in the middle of a work out. He said, "Halco" give me 3 minutes and I will show you around...God bless Coach.

Posted by Halco on January 26, 2016

What a loss to the world. He was everything a man shoul be: great father, great leader for our players, a great husband. He alone united our early teams at BC. They wanted to play for him. And they did. Pete and Joe Daniels and I hung out together. I was so happy with his career. He deserved every role he had. He was a great friend. I miss him.

Posted by Bill Campbell on January 26, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about Coach Carmichael's passing and my condolences go out to the entire Carmichael family. I recall fond memories of Coach...in particular his whit and gags during practice. He had a special way of relating to every player and made a lasting impresion on all. God's speed Coach.

Posted by Matt Kelley on January 26, 2016

We wish to extend our condolences to the Carmichael family.I met Pete during his first tour at BC.He was a good person and a good friend.My son Charlie had Pete as his position coach on Pete's last tour at BC and loved him.

Posted by Charlie & Bitsy Smith on January 26, 2016

The Hajjar's extend our deepest sympathies to the Carmichael Family. Coach was an outstanding football coach and a great family man. My favorite memories are of little Pete running around the side lines and the "Miracle in Miami" when coach stood up on a chair and yelled "way to go defense" while pumping his fist. God Bless Jamie Hajjar

Posted by Jamie Hajjar on January 26, 2016

I was deeply saddened to hear of Coach's passing and I am very sorry for your family's loss. Coach was special and a great influence on many young men. I will always be thankful to him for recruiting me to Boston College and I learned much and enjoyed my 4 years under coach's guidance. May he rest in peace and God Bless.

Posted by Jim Combs on January 26, 2016

Dear Carmichael Family, I had the pleasure of "experiencing" Pete when he was a part of a pretty remarkable group of assistant coaches at BC in the early 70's. While he wasn't my coach, Pete's impact on me (as well as the entire team) was embodied in his passion for the game which was second to none. His "passion", however, often had the interesting benefit to the team (if not always his defensive backs) of generating hilarity at practice. I'm not sure "hilarity" was his intent but it certainly relieved the pain and boredom that accompanies most football practice and I know that gift, alone, was always welcomed by the team. God bless Pete, his family and loved ones. He was a "character", never boring, that none of us at BC back then will ever forget. Sincerely, Joe Glandorf

Posted by Joe Glandorf on January 26, 2016

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Carmichael Family. Pete was an outstanding football coach but more importantly a great family man. We will always remember his kindness and the many laughs we shared-Pete was a joy to be around. We will keep our memories tucked in our hearts forever~ Barry and Vicki Gallup

Posted by Barry and Victoria Gallup on January 26, 2016

I hope the football Gods insert Pete into the starting role immediately. I was lucky to have been one of his first players at Watchung Hills HS. I also had the opportunity to have played baseball with him in the Plainfield Twi Light League. He was a phenomenal athlete, but more importantly, a man with outstanding character and conviction. You'll be missed Pete...you made a difference.

Posted by Norm Hewitt on January 26, 2016

so sorry to hear about pete he was a great man and a good friend to all of us here at medway energy will truly miss him and his funny stories and jokes god bless him and his family will truly miss that man god bless chris abney

Posted by chris abney and the guys at the gararge on January 26, 2016

Dear Carmichael Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies at this great loss. After working with Pete for 18 years, and staying connected after our working days ended, I can only say he was one of a kind. I'll always remember him fondly, and the world will be a little less funny without him in it. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Michael and Barbara

Posted by Michael & Barbara Maser on January 26, 2016

Elaine, Laynie, Kathy and Pete and families, Kevin and I express our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you all in this time of loss. That 1st staff at BC was always one of the most special because of not only the coaches but their wives and families. Sincere sympathy, The Lempas

Posted by Kevin and Sara (Sally) Lempa on January 25, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. We met him at Holliston High football games when our grandson, Joe Bellomo, played with Sam. Pete was a very special man and will be very missed.

Posted by Bernie and Joan Carty on January 25, 2016

My wife Jane worked in the Boston College football office under Coach Yukica. Coach Carmichael was the secondary coach. She loved him,he was wonderful to work with.Always happy,loved pulling jokes on coach Bicknell.Attended our wedding with his lovely wife Elaine.Our thoughts and prays to the entire family.Jane Ackles Moretti

Posted by john and jane moretti on January 25, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Coach was such a big part in the development of so many young men. He showed us how to treat people and how to relax in so many tough situations. He was a great leader and will be missed my so many people! God bless Coach and his entire family. We love you coach Stephen Marciano

Posted by Stephen Marciano on January 24, 2016

Will always remember the kindness of Pete to our son Michael. Such a kind man. So sorry for your loss !

Posted by Margaret& John McGowan on January 24, 2016