John J. Carey Jr.

CAREY, JOHN J. JR., 84, of Wantage, New Jersey, born in Teaneck, New Jersey, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.  John was the beloved husband of Patricia Carey, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.  He was a devoted father to his son Michael Carey (Lisa), and daughter Tricia Carey, a proud grandfather to Joshua Carey and Michael Carey (Karyn), and a cherished great-grandfather to Michael Noah and Camila. 

John graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in 1960.  He joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1962, having been stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington.  In 1966 he worked as a fireman for the Penn Central Railroad.  In 1967, John began a long and distinguished career with the Township of Teaneck, New Jersey, Fire Department, where he served for 27 years and retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant.   

Committed to lifelong learning and public service, John earned an associate’s degree from Passaic County Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Jersey City State College.  He was among the first five individuals to receive a degree in Fire Sciences.  In addition to his professional career, he volunteered as a firefighter for the Borough of Bogota, New Jersey, and as an EMT for the Township of Wantage, New Jersey. 

John and his wife Patricia shared a love for rural life, raising sheep, chickens, and goats, and caring for their beloved horse, Breeze, on their five-acre property.  Even in retirement, John continued to serve others by working as an EMT for medical transport companies. 

Throughout his life, John found joy in nature.  He loved his many furry companions, enjoyed freshwater fishing, and was an avid birder.  In his free time, he could often be found walking through the woods or traveling to the shore and marshes, binoculars and scope in hand.

John will always be remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, gentle humor, his habit of singing little ditties, and –never far away—a cookie in his pocket.

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