Obituary of Donn J Carr

Donn Carr, 74, of Peabody died Wednesday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by his loving family and friends following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Judy (Mellen) Carr with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late James and Elizabeth (Georges) Carr. He was raised and educated in Salem and has lived in Peabody for the past 58 years. He was a graduate of Berklee School of Music. Donn was the founder and drummer of the Donn Carr Jazz Band and the Carrtunes Jazz Band. He also played with the Civil Disturbance Jazz Band. He was the proprietor and drum instructor at the Donn Carr Drum Studio/Donn Carr School of Music in Peabody for over 50 years. Donn volunteered at the Peabody Senior Center as the drummer with the Big Band, Golden Echos for 26 years. He enjoyed his weekly band rehearsals with his best friends, watching the Patriot games with his grandson, driving his truck and weekend trips with his wife. In addition to his passion for music, he did woodworking as a hobby and was a devoted animal lover. Besides his loving wife Judy, he is survived by his two daughters, Bethany Carr of Peabody and Lorine Carr of Salisbury, his brothers, James and his wife Jammie Carr of Timton Falls, NJ, Danny Carr of Rochester, NH, William Carr of Somerset, NH, and Robert Carr of Alaska, his sisters, Maryellen Carr-Tobin of Beverly, and Debra Crane of NH, and by his grandson, Owen Carr of Peabody and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Carr. Following cremation, visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody and his Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA 01923 of to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970. Burial will be in Belleview Cemetery, Lawrence.