Steve Carell is one of the most beloved comedians in the world, known for playing the awkward but lovable Michael Scott in The Office. While Steve is famous for making people laugh, his father, Edwin A. Carell, was famous for something very different. Edwin A. Carell was a brave soldier, a hardworking engineer, and a dedicated father who raised four successful sons. Many fans are curious about the man who raised a comedy legend. Who was he? What did he do for a living? And what is the truth about the rumors surrounding his death?
Quick Facts of Edwin A. Carell
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Edwin A. Carell (born Caroselli) |
| Birth Date | September 28, 1925 |
| Birth Place | Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Death Date | March 3, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 95 Years Old |
| Spouse | Harriet T. (Koch) Carell |
| Children | Gregory, Timothy, Michael, Steve |
| Occupation | Mechanical Engineer |
| Employer | Lytron Inc. (28 Years) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army (World War II) |
| Regiment | 100th Infantry Division |
| Awards | Bronze Star, Purple Heart |
| Known For | Father of Steve Carell |
The Early Life of Edwin A. Carell
Edwin A. Carell was not born with the last name “Carell.” He was born as Edwin A. Caroselli on September 28, 1925, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His parents were Ernesto and Marie Caroselli, who were of Italian descent. Growing up in the 1920s and 30s, Edwin lived a very normal life before the world changed with World War II.
One of the most interesting facts about Edwin A. Carell is why he changed his name. In the 1950s, he and his family decided to change “Caroselli” to “Carell.” This was a common choice for many immigrant families at the time. They wanted to assimilate, or fit in, with American culture more easily. Steve Carell has joked in interviews that “Caroselli” sounds beautiful, but Edwin A. Carell wanted a name that was easier for people to pronounce.

Edwin A. Carell Young: A World War II Hero
When people search for pictures of Edwin A. Carell young, they often find images of a handsome man in a military uniform. Before he became an engineer, Edwin A. Carell was a hero who fought for his country. His service record is incredibly impressive and shows just how brave he was.
Edwin A. Carell served in the United States Army during World War II. He was part of the 7th Army, 100th Infantry Division, specifically in the 397th Regiment, “Item” Company. This division was known as the “Century Division,” and they were famous for their toughness.
During the war, Edwin A. Carell fought in a mortar squad. This was a dangerous job that required him to be close to the front lines. He saw action in Northern France and Germany, two of the most difficult areas of the war. His unit made history by being the first to break through the Vosges Mountains, a difficult terrain that no army had ever conquered before.
For his bravery, Edwin A. Carell received two very important medals. He was awarded the Bronze Star, which is given for heroic achievement. He also received the Purple Heart, a medal given to soldiers who are wounded by the enemy. These awards prove that Edwin A. Carell was a true patriot who risked his life for freedom.
A Career in Engineering and Hard Work
After the war ended, Edwin A. Carell returned home to finish his education. He attended Syracuse University, where he studied to become an engineer. Education was very important to him, and he used his degree to build a stable life for his future family.
For most of his professional life, Edwin A. Carell worked as a mechanical engineer. He spent 28 years working for a company called Lytron Inc. in Woburn, Massachusetts. Colleagues who worked with him remember him fondly. One former coworker, Elaine Crow, wrote in his obituary guestbook that Edwin was a “true gentleman” and a pleasure to work with.
Edwin A. Carell was known for his strong work ethic. He didn’t work for fame or fortune; he worked to provide for his wife and children. This dedication to hard work is something he passed down to his son, Steve. Even though Steve Carell is a Hollywood star, he is known for being humble and hardworking, just like his dad.
Steve Carell Edwin A. Carell: A Father’s Influence
The relationship between Steve Carell Edwin A. Carell was very close. Steve was the youngest of four brothers. His older brothers are Gregory, Timothy, and Michael. Being the youngest, Steve looked up to his father and often talks about him with great respect.
Steve has shared many stories about how supportive Edwin A. Carell was. One of the most touching stories is about ice hockey. Steve Carell loved playing hockey growing up, but practice was very early in the morning. Edwin A. Carell would wake up at 5:00 AM to drive Steve to the rink.
Instead of complaining or sleeping in the car, Edwin A. Carell would sit in the cold rink and read a book while Steve practiced. He never made Steve feel guilty for the early hours. This quiet support gave Steve the confidence to pursue his dreams, first in sports and later in acting. Steve has said his father was “down-to-earth, kind, smart, and generous.”
Confusion About “Edwin A. Carell Cause of Death”
There is a lot of confusion on the internet regarding the Edwin A. Carell cause of death. When you search for this, you might see results about a heroin overdose. It is very important to clarify that this is false.
This rumor comes from the movie Little Miss Sunshine (2006). In that movie, Steve Carell plays a character named Frank. The grandfather in the movie is named Edwin Hoover, played by actor Alan Arkin. In the film, the character Grandpa Edwin dies from a heroin overdose.
Because Steve Carell was in the movie and the character’s name was Edwin, many people got confused. They thought the movie was a true story about Steve’s real dad. The real Edwin A. Carell did not die from drugs. He lived a very healthy and long life. The search term edwin a. carell cause of death should lead to the truth: he died of natural causes related to old age.
Edwin A. Carell Died: A Long Life Lived Well
Sadly, Edwin A. Carell died on March 3, 2021. He was 95 years old. He passed away peacefully in The Villages, Florida, where he lived during his retirement. Before moving to Florida, he had lived for many years in Acton, Massachusetts.
Edwin A. Carell lived a full and happy life. He was married to his wife, Harriet T. (Koch) Carell, for 64 years. Harriet was a psychiatric nurse, and she passed away before him in 2016. They were a devoted couple who set a great example for their children.

When Edwin A. Carell died, his family released a touching obituary. They described him as a beloved husband and a devoted father. He was survived by his four sons, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His funeral mass was held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Acton, and he was buried with military honors.
Jerry Stiller and Edwin A. Carell
You might see searches comparing Jerry Stiller and Edwin A. Carell. At first glance, they seem very different. Jerry Stiller was a famous comedian and actor, known for Seinfeld. Edwin A. Carell was an engineer who stayed out of the spotlight.
However, there is a sad but interesting connection between Jerry Stiller and Edwin A. Carell. Both men were fathers to two of the biggest comedy stars of the 2000s: Ben Stiller and Steve Carell. These two actors are part of the “Frat Pack,” a group of comedians who often work together.
Also, Jerry Stiller and Edwin A. Carell passed away within a year of each other. Jerry Stiller died in May 2020, and Edwin A. Carell died in March 2021. Both men left behind a legacy of laughter through their famous sons. While Jerry made people laugh directly, Edwin raised a son who brings joy to millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Edwin A. Carell?
Edwin A. Carell was a World War II veteran, mechanical engineer, and the father of actor Steve Carell. - What was Edwin A. Carell’s cause of death?
He died of natural causes related to old age in 2021, not a drug overdose as rumored from the movie Little Miss Sunshine. - Did Edwin A. Carell serve in the military?
Yes, he was a decorated WWII soldier in the US Army’s 100th Infantry Division, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. - What was Edwin A. Carell’s original last name?
He was born Edwin A. Caroselli but the family changed the surname to Carell in the 1950s. - How many children did Edwin A. Carell have?
He had four sons: Gregory, Timothy, Michael, and the youngest, Steve Carell.
Summary of Edwin A. Carell’s Life
Edwin A. Carell was much more than just a celebrity’s father. He was a man of integrity and strength. From his early days as Edwin A. Caroselli in New Jersey to his brave service in World War II, he always did his duty.
He worked for nearly three decades as an engineer at Lytron Inc. to support his family. He drove his son to hockey practice before the sun came up. He remained a loyal husband for over six decades.
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