Edward James Carey

Ed was a great source of love, wisdom, and strength. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family. His favorite place was the outdoors. Whether it be an early morning in the deer stands hunting, down by the lake fishing, or golfing he cherished every moment. His love for family trips was something he and his family looked forward to every year. In the RV, camping, or a trip to the lake the laughter, the quiet peace, the time spent together. Edward Carey, 74, of Winchester, Virginia died in the Martinsburg VA hospital on April 12th 2025.
He was born in Rochester NY in 1950 to Edwin Carey and Anne McGrath. He grew up playing baseball, playing with his neighborhood friends, and helping provide for his family. He was known as a josketer growing up. From a young age Ed knew the value of hard work and dedication, which grew and blossomed throughout his life. He played hockey and golf for most of his life and was a die hard Washington Capitals fan. Ed spent his life creating a home filled with laughter, love, and support. He was a constant source of strength. His greatest joy was found in the company of his loved ones- sharing stories, offering words of encouragement, and simply being present. Ed joined the Army in 1958. He served in Vietnam before spending time stationed at Ft. George G. Meade.
Ed loved his family very much and would do anything for them. Ed will be remembered not only for his deep love for his family but also for his integrity, generosity, and gentle spirit. His legacy lives on through the countless memories and lessons he imparted.
In 1975 Ed's eldest child, Jeremiah was born. He spent many years supporting him in hockey, taking him fishing, and out on his boat. Despite the distance he always made the effort to support Jeremiah and be a part of his life. Once Jeremiah met Jenn, he spent many more years visiting and having them to visit, making lasting memories.
Ed went on to have two more children, a daughter Emma born in 1994, and Rose in 1999. He spent supporting his two daughters in the schools, boasting about being a proud Coles Elementary School Volunteer, often cutting up the dance floor at school Rock N Roll night.
Despite the distance in age and proximity, Ed created an environment where his children could bond and spend time with him, spending time outdoors camping or at his friends hunting lodge, or even just a weekend visit spent with his son Jeremiah making dinner and playing board games in the living room, those memories are a direct result of the love and effort he poured into creating a family with happy memories. This continued as Jeremiah had children, and then Emma. Watching his grandchildren play together was one of, if not the most, treasured activity.
Though he loved hunting, fishing and making people laugh, Ed's favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured their time with their grandkids and loved being their Papa, always doing his best to be present in all their lives. He loved watching his grandkids Teagan and Aiden play softball and hockey, or just hanging out on the couch watching tv with them. He also enjoyed teaching his grandkids, helping bexley learn to tie her shoes. Eloras artwork was proudly displayed by Ed, always asking for more pictures from her.
Ed had a soft spot for their furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. He had many pets throughout his life, but took a strong liking to his Siamese cat, Bob. He spent hours teaching Bob to "hunt" by luring him with a small porcupine toy. He loved watching him hunt in real life, often watching him stalk prey outside.
Ed was a hard worker, to say the least, giving 25 years of his life as district sales manager at Frito Lay. Working his way up over the years, he amassed many stories and accolades of his success with them.
Everyone who knew Ed knew how much he loved hockey, sports, and outdoor activities in general. From being a participant to coaching his children Jeremiah in hockey and Rose in soccer, or watching Emma play soccer, he thoroughly enjoyed staying active and passed it down as a core value in his children.
Ed will always be remembered for his humor and tenacity. He had a love of talking to people and making them laugh. He was able to talk to anyone and find something to talk about with them. He had a passionate spirit, many things he deeply cared about were politics, history, and nature. He instilled a love of learning in his children and grandchildren.
Ed Carey was preceded in death by his mother and father, and brother, and is survived by his 3 sisters Tish Carey, Helen Kuhn, and Anne Boe, and 5 brothers John, Gerrard, Joe, Kevin, and Martin Carey, his son and daughter in law, Jeremiah and Jenn Carey and their two children Teagan and Aiden Carey, his daughter Rose Carey, and his daughter Emma Carey and her two children Elora and Bexley Caracciolo.
The service will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery on May 19th at 11 am.
There will be a celebration of life following the service at West Park Gardens in Culpeper, Va.