Carroll Dana Bean

BRADFORD-Carroll Dana Bean, 82, lifelong resident of Bradford, VT, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center surrounded by his family. Carroll, fondly known as “Diddy,” was born to Richard and Beatrice Huntington Bean on June 10, 1942, in Hanover, NH.

Diddy was passionate about his community, classic 1955 Ford Wagon, and most of all, his family. Professionally, Diddy worked 43 years for Britton Lumber as a truck driver with “Timber Wolf” as his CB handle. He served 27 years as a Staff Sergeant (SSG) for the Vermont Army National Guard at the local Bradford National Guard Armory and frequently performed with the Honor Guard/Flag Detail in many local events and parades.

Diddy was spirited about the community. He energetically participated with the Bradford Volunteer Fire Department for 25 plus years providing invaluable community service. He served on the Northeast Slopes Ski Patrol and volunteered to help run the rope tow for years until he could ski no longer. Additionally, he attended Corinth Bible Church, umpired baseball games for Little League, coached the Bradford Babe Ruth Baseball League, participated with Boy Scouts, and the Orange East Senior Center, especially at lunch time.

As a long-standing member of the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts (VAE), Diddy volunteered with the club’s annual Waterbury Car Show fundraiser, assisted with presenting VAE scholarships at Oxbow High School, and drove his classic 1955 Ford Wagon in many local 4th of July parades and local club touring rides. His favorite television shows were Mecum Collector Car Auction and Across the Fence.

Diddy was a lifelong lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed bird watching from his porch, camping, hiking, skiing, and attending fairs, especially the Fryeburg Fair in Maine. He was a dedicated supporter of the Oxbow Olympians and could often be seen cheering them on with robust enthusiasm. He adored his beagles, Candy and Sally. He spent countless hours walking the dogs around Bradford and visiting with friends and neighbors. Just before passing, he asked his family to ensure the birds were fed during the cold winter. Cardinals were his favorite.

Diddy is predeceased by his beloved wife, Anita Louise Martin, brothers Merton Bean and Earl Bean, and sister Charlotte Bishop. He is survived by four children. Marnita Leach (Duane Leach) their children: Steven Leach and Dr. Nick Leach-Nadeau; COL(R) Keith Bean (Angella Bean) their children: US Army CPT Andrew Bean and fiancee Ellen Vause, US Army CPT Kristina Bean, and US Navy PO3 Ethan Bean and wife Jocelyn Bean; Rodney Bean (Susan Bean); and Seth Bean (Jessica Bean) their children: Isaiah Taylor, Connor Bean, wife Mary Bean, and great-grandson Daniel Bean, Haleleigh Bean, Wyatt Bean, and Avery Bean. Surviving siblings are Penny Hodge, Shirley Stever, and John Bean. He also leaves many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel located at 487 Furnace Rd., Randolph Center, VT, 05061. Attendees are kindly requested to be seated in the chapel by 12:45 pm. The service will start promptly at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the VAE Scholarship Fund in the name of Carroll “Diddy” Bean. Donations may be sent to Mr. Don Pierce, VAE Treasurer/Scholarship Chair, 203 Colchester Pond Rd., Colchester, VT, 05446. VAE is a 501(c) Educational and Charitable Organization that awards scholarships to encourage and support young people desiring a career in automotive trades.

A special thanks to all the doctors, staff, and those who comforted Diddy. His spirit and sardonic humor will live on in our memories, bringing us comfort. Diddy bids you farewell.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford.