PHILLIP CAREY – CLASS OF 1959
PHILLIP CAREY – CLASS OF 1959
Carey, Phillip “Phil” of Kalamazoo, Michigan
1936 – 2011
There is no doubt that Phil Carey loved his family. A wonderful husband, father, and friend to many, he leaves behind a beautiful example of living life to the fullest and giving selflessly to his community.
Phil’s parents, Joseph and Margaret (Feeney) Carey welcomed Phil’s arrival on March 11, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His birth brought great joy and happiness into the family home.
Phil graduated from St. Augustine High School in Kalamazoo and then Western Michigan University in the ROTC and paper technology programs. Studious and ambitious, Phil was later accepted into the University of Michigan’s law school where he later graduated.
Phil was practicing law in the office of the District Attorney in Grand Rapids at the time of meeting Joan and they wasted no time in planning their wedding. Phil and Joan were joined in marriage on October 5, 1968.
Phil practiced law in many areas, but spent a large portion of his time as the general counsel at Kellogg Community College. He later extended his career working with the Family Division of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court where he served the community before he retired.
He and Joan shared many travel adventures together, including a memorable trip to Ireland with their close friends. They savored a tour of Italy, taking in all of the historical sites, enjoying the incredible artwork, and gaining some new, dear friends. He and Joan also fell in love with the pacific northwest and Yosemite National Park. Whenever they had the chance, they would explore a new area of the United States or take a drive up north in their beautiful home state of Michigan.
Phil truly enjoyed experiencing new things and lived his life to the fullest. He had his pilot’s license, and in 1967 took glider flying lessons in Elmira, NY with a good friend. He loved music, especially jazz and symphonies like the Boston Pops. He and Joan enjoyed many Kalamazoo Symphony concerts downtown at Bronson Park, listening from the comfort of a lawn chair or picnic blanket. He gave freely of his time, volunteering for several organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Constance Brown Hearing Center, and the former Voluntary Action Center being particularly close to his heart. He also found good friends in the Men’s Group at St. Thomas More and enjoyed participating in various parish activities.
Philip Roderick Carey, age 84, of Kalamazoo, MI, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on February 5, 2021. Phil was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Carey. Surviving are his wife, Joan; 2 children: Meghan Carey and Brian Carey; his sister-in-law: Mary Ann Carey; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to Kiwanis Pretty Lake Camp, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, or St. Thomas More Parish.