James Raymond "Ray" Carey of Rutherford & Normandy Beach NJ, died on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at home in Cape May NJ. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday on December 19th. He was the beloved husband of 52 years of Margot Nelson Carey, his "fist wife", and the treasured father of Nelson Lorin Carey and his wife Grace of Cape May.
Ray was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, the son of the late James and Pearl Carey. He was the elder brother to Christine (Lou) Zigray, Joseph (Mary Ann) Carey and Jule (George) Steffen, and uncle to cherished nieces and nephews.
Ray was an ardent supporter of his alma mater, Lafayette College ‘57 (go Leopards!), and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Ray worked for the Union Carbide Corp. for 36 years, retiring in 1993 as Director of Audits. He held many civic roles in Rutherford, his home for the last 52 years (when he wasn't reading at Normandy Beach, NJ) serving as a member of the Rutherford Borough Council, a board member of Parish Nursing, the first President of the Kipp Center and a dedicated supporter of the YMCA. For over 30 years, he was a board member of the Boiling Springs Savings Bank, retiring as Chairman this year.
Ray was a loyal friend and neighbor and was honored to have been chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Lincoln Award by the Republican Club of Rutherford. He was a member of the Boiling Spring Lodge 152 F&AM, Royal Arch Masons, Fortnightly Club and the Upper Montclair Country Club. Ray's leadership of the Everyman's Bible Class and his membership as a parishioner and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford allowed him to express his devotion to God.
Despite all of his many achievements, none meant more to Ray than his strong faith and loving family. If he had any disappointments in this life, Ray did not burden others with them, but instead kept striving to persevere and thereby demonstrate his confidence in God's love and protection. Ray's bravery in illness was a life lesson to all and his family will never forget the kindness, compassion and excellence of all of his medical care givers, our "A" Team.
Donations to Leonia Summer Stage (www.leoniasummerstage.org) c/o Dr. Frank D.Livelli, or the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford Music Fund are appreciated, but a kindness done for one in need would also honor Ray's life.
A memorial service is planned for a future date.