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BORN
1961
DIED
2019
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Stephen Carey Obituary
Sept 12, 1961 ~ June 5, 2019
Our beloved father, grandfather, son and brother, Captain Stephen L. Carey age 57, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Salt Lake City Utah.
Stephen is preceded in death by his father Neal Carey. He is survived by his children Craig and Erica, his granddaughter Amelia, his mother Norma (née Kirk), and his sisters Cheryl and Sandra, as well as his extended family.
He was a generous loving man, who will be missed not only by his family but by his many friends and associates. He served his country with honor as an officer and aviator in the United States Marine Corps. He had a fulfilling career with Delta Airlines and served as a leader and mentor to others during his tenure.
Stephen embraced life through aviation and world travel. He loved the thrills and excitement of acceleration and found great pleasure in skiing, running, fast cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed many hobbies over his lifetime. His joyous smile will always remain in the memories of those who knew him.
Services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 11:00 am at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Stephen will be laid to rest following the service where there will be a Marine Honor Guard Ceremony at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale UT, 84065.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Captain Stephen L. Carey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Carey
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Dave Prince
May 29, 2023
Mrs. Carey, he absolutely is. You have put your trust in the right place.
-Dave
Mom
May 28, 2023
It amazes me the turns life takes. I remember the day David. So much hope and plans denied. God knows and I trust my Stephen is with Him.
Dave Prince
May 27, 2023
Although Steve has been gone for nearly 4 years, I wanted to make a few comments. This was, and remains, a huge loss. This was a truly good man. I flew with him, as his First Officer, on many trips out of SLC. Steve's positive energy, smile and character could be "felt" as soon as he entered a room. I was commuting back to DFW about a month before his passing. Steve was excited about jumpseating on the new A220. He introduced my to his mom, who sat behind my row. I didn't know it would be the last time I'd have the privilege of his company. Condolences to his family. I remain shocked and saddened. RIP, my friend.
Mom
June 10, 2021
You came into our world. You filled it with an undimmable light by your smile and love radiated everywhere. You left and yet that light still penetrates my soul. You are and will be always loved
Linda Davis
March 13, 2020
My Love,
Love of my life, as I remember the words you spoke.
I wish I could hold, kiss you, see your smile, hear your laugh,
and feel you breathing next to me.
It hurts so deeply that you are not here.
These memories flood my mind.
I keep reminding myself that you are at complete peace now, in Heaven.
Thank you for everything, it's been 308 days since we last spoke............
Can't wait for the day when my joy is complete and I am reunited with you my Love, in Forever.
Until then, praying for Endurance, Courage, and Peace.
I Love you with everything. See you soon.
Hazelnut
Dara Taylor
January 17, 2020
I just found out this evening of Steves passing. I am shocked and saddened. I met Steve in my barbershop next door to Over the Counter cafe. Ive been cutting his hair for a few years now. In fact, he stopped in my shop a few months ago and made an appointment for a haircut like he usually did. But he missed that appointment which I thought was odd. A few weeks later, after still not hearing from him, I called him but got no answer, I had been wondering what was up with him and I hadnt seen him at the cafe. Well this evening while chatting with another Delta pilot I asked, so do you know Steve Carey? He then told me about his passing. Steves appointment was on June 6th. I love and appreciate my clients so much and ache also when I hear of their passing. RIP Steve. I will continue to miss our chats and send prayers to all your loved ones.
Dara Taylor
David Brahe
June 21, 2019
Captain Carey was by far my favorite Delta pilot and brother Marine. He always, always would try to find me to say hello, and when I would hear What's up Marine in the loud gate areas, I knew it was him. Always smiling ear to ear, always, and his pride of being a Marine was unsurpassed. I wish I had taken him up on the offer to meet outside work and talk Marines and Delta, our schedules just didn't work out. One quick story, I was working a late flight to Paris leaving after midnight and the new crew had to be called in. I was assuming, yeah this crew is gonna love this call at this time of night. When he came around the corner and yelled Marine I was shocked. He was smiling as always, and asked him you're happy about this? He said are you kidding me? 4 days in Paris almost and paid? What's not to be happy about? That was Stephen, to a tee, always finding happiness. He is missed greatly already, and my sincere condolences to his family and close friends during this time. Semper Fi Marine! You will be missed.
Glen Barnett
June 21, 2019
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with family and friends. His spirit will always be with you, and all good memories kept close to your hearts. Love, Glen, Stacy, Kyle and Kaylee Barnett
Nov 2017, Delta Maintenance Hangar, Guangzhou, China.
Peter Gladstone
June 21, 2019
Steve was one of my favorite captains at Delta Air Lines. I first met him on an assignment to test fly an airplane coming out of maintenance few years ago. We went on to doing several test flights over the last few years. We developed a great friendship which spanned outside of the airline world as well. He was such a kind and humble person, and a great aviator. I am honored to have flown with him, and to have had him as a dear friend. I will miss you Steve. RIP.
Donna Mays Guy
June 20, 2019
A lot of my memories of Steve go back to when we (my sisters & I) would go to Carey's house after school. His mom, Norma, was our babysitter. I used to spend many a happy hour in the best sandbox ever! It was huge! We also all had the the mumps together! Those kind of memories create such a bond.
I'm glad I was able to reconnect with him at his parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
My heart is breaking for his children, mom, & sisters.
That smile...
See you in Heaven!
Jim Walkup
June 19, 2019
Steve and I were two of 5 or so line check pilots in Salt Lake City on the MD-90. Steve was always happy, and pleasant. Steve will be missed by many, including me.
Kris Tex Shewell
June 18, 2019
So sorry you've been called to guard the gates of Heaven at such a young age. You will be so missed, & never forgotten, by your Tomcat family. We love you Scary. Rest in piece, Sir (salute).
Mark Giuliano
June 17, 2019
Steve and I were close in seniority at Delta Air Lines so we never flew together. But, we were both refugees from the DFW base and transplanted to Salt Lake City about the same time. We got to know each other well when we were in Airbus 320 training together 9 years ago and had a wonder time in MSP for an entire month. Many breakfasts, motorcycle rides and fast car rides (his driving, of course) later, I considered him a good friend. I know for certain that he was very well liked and respected by everyone he flew, both pilots and flight attendants. Rest in peace, my friend.
irene
June 17, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cpl. Russ Simoneaux
June 17, 2019
RIP Capt. "Scarey" Carey!
It was an honor to serve with you at VMA-311 (Tomcats) during WestPac 1987-1988. You were our Ordnance officer and will forever be one of us (IYAOYAS). Guard the streets of Heaven well Marine!
Semper Fidelis
Capt. Carey with Top Wilson
Russell Simoneaux
June 16, 2019
RIP Capt. "Scarey" Carey from VMA-311 Ordnance WeadPac 1987-1988.
Russell Simoneaux
June 16, 2019
Jay West
June 16, 2019
Rest in Peace Scarey. May you rest in Valhalla. GySgt West VMA-311 Tomcats
David and Nancy Brandon
June 13, 2019
We have known Stephen since he was seven years old. A delightful little boy with bright blue eyes and a winning smile. So many years have passed we have thought of you often. Dave and I will remember you with deep affection and happy thoughts . Rest in peace dear friend.
June 13, 2019
I can barely remember any of the copilots I flew with when I started on the panel 21 years ago, but I'll never forget "Scary". Just one of the most pleasant, kindest people I've ever known.
May you rest in God's hands, my friend. Semper fidelis.
Capt Grant Olbrich
50th Anniversary for Norma & Neal
Elizabeth Mays
June 13, 2019
I've known Steve nearly my entire life. He and his parents and sisters are like family to mine. We're all brokenhearted and we will all greatly miss Steve. Rest in peace, my good friend.
Chris Lamoureaux
June 13, 2019
While based in SLC on the MD-90, I had the pleasure of flying with Steve several times. What a great Captain to fly and spend a layover with. Not only a consummate professional, he was a patriot and loved life. The indelible mark that he left in my memory was that on every flight, immediately after we retracted the landing gear, he would yell, "It's great to be back in the air", thereby setting the tone for the remainder of the trip.
Semper Fi and RIP my friend.
Steve & crew Christmas day 2018. Thanks for the TOE Steve!
Evan Miller
June 13, 2019
Capt Len Empie
June 13, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I flew with him several times when we were both based in Dallas and talked with him just recently. I will miss his smile greatly.
Doug Woodall
June 13, 2019
Positive rate, Gear up. It's great to be back in the air!, Steve would always say. Oh I'm sad to hear him passing. Had many fun flights with him on the Maddog.
He will be missed.
Doug Woodall SEA
Kara Stinson
June 13, 2019
Steve was the very first Captain I flew with at Delta Air Lines 18 years ago. He was kind, patient, and thoughtful. I've had the honor of flying with him several times since, and along with sharing a birthday, shared lots of laughs and great conversation. Steve was well liked and will be sincerely missed.
Chuck Askey
June 13, 2019
I'm really going to miss our lunches at the LCP meetings. We always made it a point to get together for a couple of hours before the festivities started. Steve just "knew" stuff...important stuff. I loved hearing about the Tesla. I will miss him dearly.
Captain David Winegar
June 12, 2019
While I wasn't close to Stephen, he always had a warm smile and kind countenance when we met. I will miss his smile and shocked at his passing. Semper fi Stephen. You will be missed.
Erich Hapke
June 12, 2019
Steve was my favorite guy at Delta. It was always a pleasure running into him at LAX. I really enjoyed flying as his F/O and fellow Marine while we were based in SLC together. He was one of a kind, always a pleasure to be around and a true gentleman. I will miss him greatly.
Fond Memories with Stephen L Carey
Leon Carey
June 11, 2019
Steve Carey is our nephew/cousin and will be greatly missed. We didn't have the opportunity to see him much, but when we did, he lit up the room with his smile and character. He was quite a talented man and we have been blessed and honored to have known him. Our entire family sends peace and love to Steve's family.
Much Love,
Leon & Maryann Carey, Brian Carey & Family, Leanna Carey & Family, Megan Carey & Family.
The photo is Megan Carey, as a little girl, in Steve Carey's military jet.
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