It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Michael Carey, a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, and friend, who passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 82.
John was born on July 28, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, where he held the rank of Private E-1 and was honorably discharged. After his military service, John built a long and successful career with Pan Am, leaving behind an indelible mark on all those he worked with.
In April of 1988, John met the love of his life, Marylu, while he was a patient at a chiropractor’s office where she worked. After two years of courting, they married in January of 1990 and spent 34 joyful years together. They shared many adventures, traveling to Alaska, the Kentucky Derby, the Bahamas, and on a memorable trip to Italy with their dear friends Mary and Joe Alfano.
John was a man of great passions—he never missed a 5 o’clock happy hour, loved to solve crossword puzzles, and could spend hours playing Scrabble, always challenging himself and others. But above all, John cherished his family. He was a loving stepfather, brother to Maureen Fisher of Fort Meyers, grandfather, and great-grandfather, proud to have 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Family gatherings, especially those around happy hour, were where John truly thrived, surrounded by laughter, love, and good company.
John will be deeply missed, but his legacy will endure through the countless memories he left behind. He will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.
John is being cremated, and his cremated remains will be interred at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 1:00 PM.
A service to honor John’s life will be held on Friday, October 25th, 2024. A viewing will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, followed by a celebration of his life. In true John fashion, a 5:00 PM happy hour will be held in his honor to toast his memory and the joy he brought to so many.
