Robert Lee Carey's Obituary
Robert Lee Carey, age 82, of Bridgeville, DE, formerly of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2013, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, DE. Mr. Carey was born in Bridgeville, on August 25, 1931, son of the late Lee and Margaret (Tull) Carey.
Mr. Carey graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1949 and continued on to the University of Delaware where he obtained his degree in Agricultural Economics in 1953. Throughout his studies at U of D, Mr. Carey served in the ROTC and Army National Guard and would be called to active duty shortly after graduation. Mr. Carey would serve for four years with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict before returning Army Reserve status. Mr. Carey would utilize the GI BILL to further his education and earn an additional degree (Masters in Business) from the University of Delaware. After 38 years of dedicated military service, Mr. Carey would retire from the Army Reserves with the rank of Colonel in 1991.
Mr. Carey’s spent a lifelong career with the Produce Marketing Association in Newark, DE where he retired as President with over 38 years of dedicated service to the Association in 1996. Mr. Carey was an active board member of the ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) and was past President and actively involved in his school fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau.
In his free time, Mr. Carey enjoyed playing golf, reading, spending time with family, and rooting for his favorite sports’ teams; The Phillies, Eagles, and Blue Hens. He was described by his loved ones as friendly and outgoing, who found happiness through making others feel better. Mr. Carey was a loving father who made a positive impression on everyone else around him with his friendly demeanor and infectious sense of humor.
Mr. Carey is survived by his two sons: Bob Carey and his wife Cristina of Bridgeville, DE, and Tom Carey and his wife Marian also from Bridgeville; his daughter, Gayle C. Budd and her husband Tom of Sewell, NJ; his sister, Betty Ann Hardesty and her husband Sonny of Bridgeville, DE; his seven grandchildren: Jennifer Budd and her husband Adam Fulginiti, Sarah Carey, Nathan Carey, Daniel Carey, Meredith Carey, Erin Carey, and Rachel Carey; his one nephew, Clifton Hardesty and his wife Wendy; and his one niece, Laura Lee Mitchell and her husband Jim.
Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 11:00 am at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE, where friends may visit one hour prior to services. Interment will be private.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Carey’s name to the Delmarva Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 1271, Seaford, DE 19973
Please sign Mr. Carey's online guestbook on this page.
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