Alfred H. Carey Jr., veteran, retired teacher

Alfred H. Carey Jr. (known as “Al”), 103, of Hockessin, passed away peacefully at Shipley Living Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.   

He was born and raised in Milton, and was the son of the late Florence and Alfred Carey Sr. He graduated from Milton High School in 1938. Al served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1944, he was one of 30 crew members who survived the wreck of an escort craft, the USS St. Augustine, when it was accidentally rammed by a merchant tanker off the coast of Cape May, N.J.

Upon his return to civilian life, Al graduated from University of Delaware in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in education. While attending UD, he met Iris Clarke and they were married in 1948. He returned to the university to receive a master’s degree in education in 1969.

Al’s lifelong career in Delaware Public Schools began in 1949 at the De La Warr School District, teaching at high school level. He shifted to elementary education in 1963, working at the Stanton School District until his retirement in 1988. He and Iris were well known for collaborating in stage productions at Colwyck School in the late 1950s. He is fondly remembered by the many students who attended his classes at the Forest Oak, Lora Little, and Anna P. Mote elementary schools.

Throughout his life Al enjoyed music. He and Iris were founding members of the Northern Delaware Oratorio Society, and he was a member of St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church. In addition to playing the piano and singing, Al enjoyed dogs, gardening, photography, antiques, home improvement, and later in life, genealogy. He and Iris went on many trips to New England and Nova Scotia.

His wife of 51 years, Iris (Clarke) Carey, died in 1999. Al is also preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” Carey. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and their families.

Service and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, 2800 Duncan Road, Wilmington, DE 19808; or Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

For online condolences, visit mccreryandharra.com.