Francis G.W. Carey, 85,died Nov. 29 at Norwalk Hospital following surgery, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Poughkeepsie, Fran was born at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie on the day his father, William, died.
A devout Catholic, a product of parochial schools, Fran graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Newburgh, Manhattan College in Riverdale, the first of his family to earn a college degree. He pursued a master's degree (MBA) from New York University School of Business.
Following service in the Army Reserve, Fran joined IBM where he worked in executive positions for more than 30 years. He served as a reemployment specialist at the New York State Department of Labor in Poughkeepsie for another 30 years, retiring in 2021 before relocating to East Norwalk to be closer to his daughter and her family.
Fran was a competitive runner in high school and once held the state record in the 220-yard dash. An avid sports fan all his life, he followed the Detroit Tigers and Lions, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers and of course the Manhattan Jaspers. Basketball's "March Madness" was a special time of year for him. Fran was once a CYO girls basketball coach, with his brother Hugh as an assistant. He also coached his daughter ‘s CYO track team.
The family historian, Fran was an avid reader of history, biographies and newspapers. He followed politics closely and was a poll watcher at the last election in Norwalk. He was a highly-regarded singer, a member of church choirs at St. Martin de Porres and Holy Trinity in Poughkeepsie and St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Phillips Churches in Norwalk. An Irish tenor with amazing range, Fran sang with the IBM Mixed Chorus for over 40 years and also with the Norwalk Community Chorale.
Fran was predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret Cox Carey, his siblings, Mary, William, Hugh, Margaret and Kathleen, his niece, Kathy Aron, and four children, Elizabeth Sarah, Philip Austin and two baby angels, a boy and a girl. He was a leader in the Dutchess County Right to Life movement.
He is survived by his wife Dr. Lois Carey and his former wife Jane Needham McIlreavy; his daughters, Michele Carey-Moody (Thomas Moody Jr.), their children, Delaney and Charlotte, of Westport, CT., Sarah Anne Panciera (Robert Panciera Jr) their children, Noah Aiden and Jonah Asher from Ft, Mill, South Carolina. Step-children Elizabeth Egan (Robert Egan) their son Sean, Christopher Lopez (Christine Lopez) their children, Robert, Jack, and Emma, all of Long Island, NY.
Also surviving are nieces Ann Marie Maglione, Eileen Kochis, Margaret Kozlark, Laura Brooks, Tip Rogers, Maureen Atteberry, and Mary Lou Brawn; nephews Hugh and William Reynolds, Mike Weber, Thomas Kozlark, William and Timothy Carey. Many cousins, grand nieces and nephews, coworkers and friends also survive.
Fran was a devoted, loving father, grandfather, family patriarch and friend who took a keen interest in all their lives. He was the last of his siblings.
Visitors will be received at the WM. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 on Saturday, Dec. 10th from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie on Monday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.
Fran was a lover of animals and nature. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, NY 12538. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com