James P. Carey

CAREY, James P. James P. Carey, 90, of South Hadley, MA, died peacefully on Tuesday, (August 7, 2007) at home after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Jim was born in Holyoke, MA in August 1916. He was the son of Irish immigrants, the late Patrick Carey and Catherine (Ruddy) Carey, both originally from Doolough, Geesala, Ballina (near Belmullet), County Mayo, Ireland. Jim's beloved wife, Mary Agatha (O'Connell) Carey, predeceased him in 1986. They had six children. Jim himself was one of five, and the oldest son. His siblings were, the late Mary (Carey) Turner of New York, the late John Carey and the late Helen (Carey) O'Malley, both of Holyoke, MA, and his surviving sister is Margaret (Carey) DuPont of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Jim was the Carey Clan Patriarch. He was our Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle Jim, Mr. Carey, Shamus, or simply Jim, depending on your connection to him. He leaves his six children and their families, namely: Patrick Carey and wife Cindy Ragland of Agawam, MA, Christopher and wife Tami Carey, of Granby, Ann and husband Gary Desroches of Chicopee, MA, Daniel and wife Ann Carey of Granby, Rosemary Carey of South Hadley, MA, and Laura and husband Mike Barrick of Granby, MA. Jim is also survived by his 12 grandchildren: Melanie Patterson and husband Dan, Tara Celani and husband Justin, Kelli-Ann Desroches; Katie and Becky Carey; James, Jonathan and Michaela Carey; Vanessa and Jennifer Carey; and Amanda and Kaitlyn Barrick. He also leaves three great-grandchildren: McKenna and Madeline Patterson, and Jacob Celani. Jim is also survived by several in-laws, including: George O'Connell, Patricia Johnston and husband Jack Johnston, James O'Connell and wife Marjie O'Connell, Dick DuPont, Connie (Carey) Rondeau and her husband Jack Rondeau. He also leaves cousin Martina Carroll and her children Mary French, Patrick Carroll, and Terence Carroll and their spouses and children; goddaughter Teresa Poirier and husband Bob Poirier, godson and nephew Sean Carey, and other nephews and nieces, including: Peter Carey, Laura DuPont and husband Don Perrault, Ned O'Malley and wife Jessica O'Malley and their daughter Shaina, Carolyn Johnston, Mark Johnston, Cindy O'Connell, Daniel O'Connell and his son Jack, Karen and husband Pepe Ianello and children, Paula and her husband Michael Kidd and children; Valerie DuPont, and Rick DuPont; several other relatives, and many good friends, especially close friend Bill McManus. Jim was a 1935 graduate of Holy Rosary High School in Holyoke, MA. At Rosary, he acted in several plays, and was a key member of the debating, basketball and baseball teams. Jim liked to remind us that he was around during the terms of 16 U.S. Presidents and voted in 18 presidential elections. As a youth, he worked many jobs, including as a caddy at Holyoke Country Club. Jim also worked as an usher at the former Victory Theater in Holyoke and helped support the family during the Great Depression. He met his wife Agatha in 1939. Jim was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II, having nobly served in North Africa and the Middle East, and he even was chosen to sing in the U.S. Army Choir in Bethlehem at Christmas, 1943. Following the War, Jim returned to work at J. Russell & Company in Holyoke, then later was a salesman at Bond Bakery in Springfield. He started his long career in sales and marketing at Dreikorn's Bakery in Holyoke, MA, in 1955. He was summoned back twice by Dreikorn's after retiring at age 68, and finally retired for the last time as Director of Marketing in 1987 at age 71. Jim was also South Hadley's longest continuously serving Town Meeting Member. Jim was a communicant at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church both in South Hadley, MA. He was also a member of the Lions Club, the Veteran's of Foreign War, Dreikorn's Bakery Alumni group, and others. His diverse interests and hobbies included golf, the Boston Red Sox, his unflinching faith as a Catholic, and his interest in politics, humor, and singing, but his main passion in life was his family. The greatest gifts he gave his children are those of love, care, and devotion to family. He also imparted his very strong matter-of-fact work ethic, as inspired by his own amazing example all the way through to the end. He taught us how to talk to anyone, and his friendly demeanor and sense of humor made people smile. We will miss him greatly, but we are comforted in knowing that his long full life has enriched our own. Now Jim is home again with Agatha – the love of his life. James Carey had a truly wonderful life! The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice Life Care that allowed our father to pass peacefully at his home. Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. on August 9, at the Ryder Funeral Home in South Hadley, MA (Ph: 413-533-1735). The funeral will be held Friday morning, August 10, from the Ryder Funeral Home at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass and service of Christian Burial to be held at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in South Hadley, with burial in Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley, alongside Jim's wife Agatha. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.