I have just lost a friend, a mentor, an adversary, and a manager.
John Paul Carey was such a person who has been all those things to me.
We both have worked for Northeast Plumbing Supply for over 30 years and was located in Great Neck and now we have relocated to Mineola two years ago, under our president Wayne Reed.
John had come down with cancer two months ago and has just died last week. He left behind all those he knew, those he worked with and all those who loved him.
This includes his mother he was devoted to and the love of his life for 20 years, Natalie. John was a dedicated manager and family man.
If anyone needed help he would go out of his way to help them like he did for me on many occasions. He loved to fish, boat and even had a hand at golf. John was a fan of the Mets, Jets, and Rangers.
Let me also mention John lost his leg 35 years ago in a motorcycle accident and yet did not let him stop from being who he could be. I remember back in the eighties John and myself were given Jets tickets for the very last game at Shea and had a great time but it was really cold and were freezing as we cheered on our team.
John Carey had many talents and really loved life and what it had to offer.
His greatest gift I feel was his love for others. I’ve been a opinion letter writer for about 13 years and have been in local and regional newspapers.
John would often criticize some of my opinions and point out why he did disagree with me. But because of that I tried to do better. In the end the writer and the reader are bound to disagree but that is what makes America a great place to live and that is what John had tried to teach me.
In 2004 I wrote a tribute about Mr. Herb Kirshner a partner in the business who had just died.
John had said to me,” I guess when I died you will very likely write about me.” Well John you’re absolutely right and this one is for you. John you died much too young at 58 and you will be greatly missed. I guess as we travel through life we never know how many lives we have effected and John you truly effected my life.
John Carey R.I.P.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
