The full-back won two caps for the Republic of Ireland and also played for Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Carolan played for the Angels from 1962-68, making 424 appearances and scoring 50 goals. As well as playing in defence, he was also deployed as a centre-forward.
He returned to the club as manager in January 1970 after a spell at Canterbury City and was in charge for 76 games over a period of 14 months.
Born in Dublin in 1937, he played for Home Farm in the city before moving to Old Trafford at the age of 18.
He was a member of their FA Youth Cup winning team alongside Bobby Charlton and Wilf McGuinness.
Carolan made his debut for the senior side in 1958, nine months after the Munich air disaster. He played 71 times for United before joining Brighton in 1960.
The club said: “All at Tonbridge Angels send their condolences to Joe’s family at this sad time and remember with fondness some great occasions at the old Angel Ground.”
A minute’s applause was held at Saturday’s home game against Bishop’s Stortford.
HIGH ACHIEVER: Joe Carolan (far right) scored 50 goals for the Angels
