Carolan, Neil 1946 - 2025

CAROLAN, HOWE, DAY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/22/2025 at 15:24:45

CRESCO - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Carolan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed healthcare professional. Neil was born on October 22, 1946, in Cresco, Iowa, to the late Tom and Stella Carolan. From a young age, Neil demonstrated a commitment to education, graduating from Crestwood High School in 1964 and continuing-on to earn his degree from Upper Iowa University in 1969.
Neil began his career as a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Story City, Iowa. His dedication to helping young people guided him to a role as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Ames, Iowa, where his passion for supporting those struggling with addiction blossomed. From these beginnings, Neil emerged as a leading expert in addiction care, propelling him into a respected career in healthcare leadership.
Neil's expertise and vision led him to build a distinguished career as a healthcare executive. He played a pivotal role at Catherine Mcauley Hospital—now St. Joe's Hospital—in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he developed a comprehensive chemical dependency and addiction recovery program. Neil was instrumental in the design and establishment of Huron Oaks and Alpha House, enhancing their addiction recovery services. His work included significant contributions to treating anabolic steroid addiction, collaborating with athletes, and sharing his knowledge as an educator at The University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Canisius College, and Syracuse University.
His professional journey took Neil to significant leadership roles, including healthcare administration in Buffalo, New York, and Syracuse, eventually becoming the regional vice president for CHRISTUS Medical Group in Houston, Texas. His expertise in physician development led him to the vice presidency and chief position in physician development and real estate for Carondelet Health Network in Tucson, Arizona. Neil concluded his career as the Senior Vice President of Development and Leasing for Rendina Healthcare.
Neil made history as the first healthcare executive elected as the Co-chair of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Medical Office Buildings and Healthcare Facilities Committee & Conference from 2012 to 2014. He authored the insightful book, "Developing, Leasing and Managing Healthcare Real Estate in an Evolving Healthcare Environment," published in 2013. Neil retired in March 2023, marking the end of an influential career that spanned decades.
Above all, Neil was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 55 years, Linda (Howe) Carolan of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; his beloved children, Tom and his wife Sue Ellen Carolan of Pitcher, New York, and Captain Michele Day, USN and her husband Scott of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and his adoring grandchildren, Logan Carolan, Dakota Carolan, Noah Carolan, Abigail Day, Emilia Day, and Nora Day. Neil is joined in eternal rest by his parents, his brother Wayne Carolan, and his sisters Betty Carolan and Wanda Carolan.
A celebration of Neil's remarkable life will take place this summer, with details to be shared at a later date.

Source: Cresco Times Mar. 18, 2025