William G. "BFD" Carey
William G. "BFD" Carey
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William Carey Obituary
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William G. Carey of Roslindale and West Roxbury entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2026 following a battle with Occupational Cancer. He was an active member of The Boston Fire Department and guitarist and founding member of the Boston-based Irish musical group The Fenian Sons.
Bill was predeceased by his father Lt. Thomas J. Carey (BFD retired). He was the beloved husband of Jill (Govoni) Carey and the proud father of Gavin, Molly and Connor Carey; the devoted son of Elizabeth A. Carey; dedicated brother of Patrick and his wife Katie, Matthew and his wife Rachel, and Timothy and his wife Chelsey; proud uncle to Liam, Lillian and Ronan Carey, and Cal, Anna, Jake and Greta Govoni.
After graduating Boston Latin Academy in 1992 he volunteered on the Boston Ambulance Squad before joining Boston Health and Hospitals (City Ambulance) where he worked as an EMT for 14 years. In 2002 he accomplished his life-long dream of becoming a member of the Boston Fire Department. He was assigned to Ladder 4, joined Rescue 1and then joined Rescue 2. He was a decorated firefighter having been awarded multiple citations for bravery and he earned distinction as an advanced tech rescue specialist. Bill was a Trustee of the Charitable Association of the Boston Fire Department, a member of the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation, and a member of the Boston Fire Department A Capella Quartet with whom he regularly performed the national anthem at major Boston sporting events and fundraisers.
In 1996 Bill was a founding member and the driving force behind the legendary Boston Irish musical group The Fenian Sons. Together with the band Bill entertained thousands of fans throughout greater Boston and New England over thirty years of performing. He dedicated his time and musical talents to countless charitable causes and was always seeking to help those in need. Bill was a loyal and dedicated friend and a patriot who loved his country. Above all, he was a loving and proud husband and father.
A viewing will be held for family and friends at Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday, February 19 from 2-7PM. A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 20 at 10AM at Holy Name Church. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery.
The Carey Family is grateful to all the doctors and caregivers at Dana Farber Boston. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation at Bostonfirecancerfoundation.org.
https://www.bostonfirecancerfoundation.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Larry Brennan
February 19, 2026
I met Billy when I was transferred to Dudley Street. I always found Billy to be a true gentleman and very generous with his time helping others and through his service to The City of Boston. My sincere condolences to the entire Carey Family.
Jon Paul
February 19, 2026
Bill, you were one of the kindest, most down to earth people I ever met in EMS. R.I.P brother! Jon Paul
john kelly
February 18, 2026
I am so sorry for the loss of Billy. Having known him as a young man and see him become the man he was as a firefighter, musician, father, husband and all around human being he will surely be missed, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace of Jesus Christ. May his family be blessed with much love during this sad time. John Kelly
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Mary Kelly
February 18, 2026
I have known Bill thru extended family since he was a little boy. When we needed to raise funds for my daughter's medical treatment a few years ago, Bill and the band stepped right up to help at the fundraising, and I will always be grateful for his support. Boston lost one of the best this week! Keeping Jill, Gavin, Molly, Conor, Betty and his brothers in my thoughts and prayers!
American Legion R.I. Nickerson post
February 18, 2026
Billy ,You will be missed by all your fans and friends @ The Nickerson Post 382 Squantum.......you are the best...Our condolences to your loving family...God Bless love you always...
Leroy Tully
February 17, 2026
Bless the Careys, a hero clan of Boston service. A fine Fenian musician and friend to Doyle's of J.P.
Rest in peace.
Peggy Walsh ; Watertown
February 17, 2026
Dear Carey Family,
I´m sending sincere condolences on your loss of Bill. He gave a courageous fight against occupational cancer, a terrible disease and all the while battling it he never lost sight of helping other people. Firefighters are a special breed of humanity that Bill demonstrated through his dedication, skills, and love of the job. Through his kindness to my family, The Fenian Sons reached out and posted a photo of Tom when we lost him along with their remembrance of playing a slow song so he could dance with his love at the Ed Walsh Foundation gathering and that was truly warm and caring. "A life that touches others goes on forever."
Sincerely,
The Tom Walsh Family
Andrew J Fay Boston Police,Area B-2 (Retired)
February 17, 2026
First met Billy when I was a new cop in B-2. Then over the years at calls involving H+H, years later he would play at the Emerald Society, he and the band were absolutely great. Thoughts and prayers to the family and BFD. We lost a good one,heavenly got a great one.
Annemarie McAdams
February 16, 2026
Jill and family,
So sorry for the loss of Billy. Sending love, and thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Paul
February 16, 2026
I will miss my friend and neighbor. No one was more positive and upbeat than Bill. He was such a great dad. He and Jill raised 3 of the nicest kids I´ve ever met. They have grown to be amazing students, athletes, and young adults. Never have I watched 3 young siblings play together for hours in the backyard as if they were best friends. A testament to their parents. Billy became your friend after your first conversation with him. He will be sorely missed by many. RIP my friend
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2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
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