William P. Carey

William Patrick Carey, affectionately known as Billy or Bill, was born on June 21, 1947, in Albany, New York. He was the oldest child of the late William A. and Ruth H. Carey. He was followed by his sisters, Cheryl and Robyn, and his brother, Michael.

From an early age, Bill was a family-oriented person who treasured the time he spent with those he loved. He was especially close to his grandparents, Harry and Margaret Geary, who were like second parents to him. He often traveled with them, making wonderful memories on family vacations to Lake George, New York, and South Florida. As a young man, Bill loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, skiing, and simply being outside and exploring.

Bill graduated from Colonie Central High School in 1965 and went on to attend the State University of New York at Albany, where he studied engineering. His education was interrupted when Uncle Sam came calling, and Bill was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military training, he was deployed to Tompkins Barracks in Schwetzingen, Germany, where he spent most of his military service in Europe.

After being honorably discharged, Bill remained in Europe for several months, traveling extensively. True to his adventurous spirit, much of his journey was spent backpacking, staying in hostels, and visiting friends he had met during his military service. His travels became another chapter in a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and a love of experiencing new places and cultures.

Eventually, Bill returned to the United States and continued his education at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. After graduation, Bill worked several different jobs while pursuing a career in his chosen field. One of those jobs was at Macy’s Department Store in New York City. It was there that he met and fell in love with his future wife, Kathryn McCue.

Together, Bill and Kathryn welcomed their son, Lance Patrick James Carey. Lance became a little brother to Bill’s stepdaughter, April, who was a wonderful big sister. The family lived briefly in Troy, New York, before relocating to Gaithersburg, Maryland, following a new career opportunity for Bill. Although Bill and Kathryn’s marriage eventually ended in divorce, they remained connected through their love for their family and, most importantly, their son.

Bill later moved to Washington, D.C., where he enjoyed being close to his work while embracing all that city life had to offer. He worked for FEMA for several years and later joined AtkinsRéalis, where he spent the final 18 years of his professional career as a federal contractor. During his time at AtkinsRéalis, Bill continued his education and earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Bill truly enjoyed the diversity, energy, and culture of Washington, D.C.. He became quite the “foodie,” always eager to discover a new restaurant and experience something different. His many interests included gardening, camping, cooking, shopping—something he particularly loved—and, of course, trying as many new restaurants as possible. Above all, however, Bill valued spending time with his family and friends.

One of the greatest joys of Bill’s life came when he became a grandfather. His grandson, Nicholas Patrick Von Carey, affectionately known as Nick, was born to his son, Lance, and daughter-in-law, Raquita Carey. To Nick, Bill was lovingly known as Pop-Pop.

The bond between Bill and Nick was extraordinary. They spent countless hours together and shared adventures that created memories to last a lifetime. They traveled to New York to visit family, to Williamsburg to enjoy Nick’s favorite places, to Florida to soak up the warm weather, and wherever else their adventures took them. They were more than grandfather and grandson—they were best friends.

Bill was also blessed with many meaningful friendships throughout his life. One of his dearest friends was Carlos Lago, with whom he shared a friendship spanning more than 40 years. Carlos sadly passed away several years ago, but the friendship they shared remained an important part of Bill’s life and memories.

He leaves behind his son, Lance Carey; daughter-in-law, Raquita Carey; grandson and best friend, Nicholas “Nick” Carey; stepdaughter, April; sisters, Cheryl and Robyn; brother, Michael; brothers-in-law, Michael and Dennis; nieces, Jodie, Nicole, and Kristy; and nephews, Scott, Brenden, and Matthew.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Ruth and William Carey.

Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of family, his curiosity about the world, his appreciation for good food, his generous friendships, and his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he gave to his family and for the special place he held in the heart of his grandson, Nick.

He will forever be loved, deeply missed, and cherished in the hearts of all who knew him.