James J. Carey Jr.

CAREY, James J., Jr. James J. Carey, Jr. passed peacefully on Wednesday, (February 4, 2009) at the age of 86. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 25 years, Maxine (Spector) Carey. James leaves four sons: James V. and his fiance Jackie of Ridgefield; Brian C. and his wife Michelle of Cheshire; Stephen E. and his wife Marion of New Britain and Kevin T. and his wife Donna of Farmington. He also leaves eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. James was the son of James and Theresa (McCue) Carey of Hartford, and was predeceased by his brother Elliot G. and his sister Lucille Connor, grandsons Stephen and Sean, and daughter-in-law Sadie. James was born in Hartford, but lived much of his life in New Britain. He was a graduate of Hartford High School, Yale University and Hillyard College. James served his country in the 102nd army infantry division in World War II, earning two purple hearts fighting in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. Beginning as an elementary school teacher, he went on to become a principal in the New Britain Public Schools. After retiring from Education in 1982, Jim began a second career as Director of Public Relations for AFSCME, retiring for a second time in 1997. He served as Union President of AFL-CIO Local 871 and 56. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping to establish the local chapter of Head Start. As part of his dedication to the community of New Britain, Jim served as a member of the Democratic Town Committee, Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, and Mayor in 1975. He also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Directors of the Mattabassett District Commission. His skill as a speech writer drew state and local officals to request his "ghost writing" services regularly. Family and friends are asked to meet Saturday Feb. 7th at 11 a.m. at Saint Francis Assisi Church, 1775 Stanley Street, New Britain to Celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery Rocky Hill. The Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main Street, New Britain. There are no morning calling hours. The family will observe a daily period of morning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday Feb. 9th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1755 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053 or the Hospital of Central Connecticut Dialysis Unit, New Britain Campus 100 Grand St. New Britain (http://www.thocc.org/giving/givingonline.aspx).