Robert Lee Carey, U.S. Army veteran

Robert Lee Carey, 82, of Bridgeville, formerly of Newark, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford. Mr. Carey was born in Bridgeville Aug. 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 UD, 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 to Army Reserve status. Mr. Carey would utilize the GI Bill to further his education and earn an additional degree (master’s 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 spent a lifelong career with the Produce Marketing Association in Newark, 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 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, and found happiness through making others feel better. Mr. Carey was a loving father who made a positive impression on everyone 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, and Tom Carey and his wife Marian, also of Bridgeville; his daughter, Gayle C. Budd and her husband Tom of Sewell, N.J.; his sister, Betty Ann Hardesty and her husband Sonny of Bridgeville; 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 at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville, 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.