Philip Carrico

Philip N. Carrico was born and raised in Paducah, KY. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1956 he joined the Navy and served his country as a Naval Corpsman. He was always proud of the fact that he met many people who later became famous, such as Senator Joseph McCarthy and Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. He was honorably discharged after serving his enlistment and returned to Paducah. Phil graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Library Science in 1965.He served as regional librarian in Western KY under the Department for Libraries and Archives and was successful in establishing libraries in all five of his counties. In 1968, he moved his family to Northern KY and became the first Regional Librarian and was involved in the initial stages of county library development. Phil was again successful in establishing library districts in all eight Northern KY counties. Phil soon became well known throughout Kentucky for his work and expertise in library development. He was thought of as a “Library Pioneer” and a “Library Leader.” In 1990, Phil retired from the Dept. of Libraries to become the director of Campbell Country Public Libraries in Cold Springs, KY. He took on a struggling library system and was able to improve library services dramatically. In 1992, he was presented with the “Outstanding Public Library Service Award.” In 1995, the Campbell County Public Library of Trustees honored him by naming their branch library after him. The Philip N. Carrico Library is located in Ft. Thomas, KY. Phil and his wife retired in 1999 and moved to Gallatin County where he built a beautiful home on a lake. Phil was instrumental in helping Gallatin County establish its first library there in 1978. In 2002, Phil was presented with the “Life Time Achievement Award” from the Kentucky Library Association. He recently told his wife Pat that he was the most proud of this award because it was voted on and given by his peers. Phil lost his two year battle with cancer. He died at his daughter’s home in Edgewood, KY on November 26, 2010. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Besides his wife, Mr. Carrico is survived by his children, Nick Carrico (Daniela), Shannon Anneken (John), Steve Carrico, and John Carrico (Michelle); 7 Grandchildren; 1 Great Grandchild; his sister, Debbie Bailey (Doug) and his brother, David Carrico (Robin). A visitation will be held Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at the Linnemann Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in Erlanger, KY. Mass of a Christian Burial will be held Friday, December, 3, 2010 at 10:00a.m. at the St. Barbara Church in Erlanger, KY. Interment will be at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Williamstown, KY. Memorials may be made to the Philip N. Carrico Library 1000 Highland Avenue Ft. Thomas, KY 41045 or to the Hospice of Bluegrass 7388 Turfway Road Florence, KY 41042. Condolences can be made at