Steve Carr, a popular local businessman who managed the C.L. Carr store in its final years, passed away Friday after suffering a heart attack while swimming at Stafford Country Club.
Carr was 66.
Funeral arrangements are pending, but will be handled by H.E. Turner.
His death comes as a shock to many people who remember him as a warm and fun person.
Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian remembers that Carr helped her get reestablished in Batavia after she returned to her native city 40 years ago.
"He was a generous person," Christian said.
Peter Mumford, Carr's cousin, said they were both born in 1947 and grew up together and remained close.
"He was always trying to help people out," Mumford said. "I always considered him a bon vivant. He liked to travel. He liked people a lot. He liked music, especially blues."
Carr was the grandson of C.L. Carr who opened a retail store in Batavia in 1917. That store would become one of the mainstays in the city until about 2001, but changes in the local market made it difficult for the family to keep the large department store open.
Carr was the majority shareholder, but members of the Carr, Minor and Mumford families also held shares, Mumford said.
A member of Rotary, Carr remained active in the community after the store closed.
