Robert H. Carey. 79

Rockville Centre resident Robert “Bob” H. Carey died on May 26 after a long illness.  

Born in Brooklyn, Carey attended Brooklyn Preparatory School and graduated from Niagara University. He then served in the U.S. Army. After earning his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, he embarked on a 50-year career as a municipal bond attorney, starting with Caldwell, Trimble & Mitchell which then merged with Nixon, Mudge, Rose Guthrie & Alexander. 

Carey later served as managing partner of Sullivan, Donovan and until his death, was of counsel to Nixon Peabody.

Carey’s former colleagues recalled his contributions to the municipal bond industry. They also remembered his humor and hearty laugh that balanced his pragmatism and resolve. As a bond attorney for more than five decades, Carey mentored many young attorneys during his career, seeing the industry develop and playing a role in its evolution.

Carey is also remembered as an active member of the Rockville Centre Little League, the Catholic Youth Organization and the Boys Basketball Organization. “The Rockville Centre Little League has lost a legend,” said Frank Keating, who coached with him in 1980 and 81. Keating’s youngest brother, John, and Carey’s youngest son, Willie, were on the team. “He was known as ‘Big Daddy,’ and he always had two pencils in his ears [as scorekeeper],” Keating said.

The highlight of Carey’s local baseball career, Keating recalled, was a 1978 trip to Williamsport, Pa. with the first and still the only Long Island team to attend the Little League World Series. Keating said the team came in third in the national competition.

Carey’s loving charm, kindness and dedication to his family and friends will be greatly missed. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Joan, whom he met while he worked as a cabana boy at the Breezy Point Surf Club. He was 14; she was 12. He also leaves behind four beloved children, Robert Jr., Suzanne Lavins, Gregory and William, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Carey lay in repose at Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday and a memorial service was scheduled for June 1 at St. Agnes Cathedral. Following the service, a reception was planned at Chadwick’s at the Station, around the corner from the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Southampton Hospital or The Children’s Academy in Manhattan.